Brussels Airlines to shut down for a month

Brussels Airlines has become the latest carrier to shut down services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, suspending all scheduled flights for a month. It says the services will be gradually wound down and then halted March 21 and will not restart until April 20. “We need to take the decision to temporarily cease our operations,” says CE Dieter Vranckx. “It will allow us to reduce the negative financial impact on our company.” Brussels Airlines says it “fully understands” the travel measures imposed by the Belgian authorities and other govts. It adds that it will retain a “minimal” standby capacity ready to serve any demand for repatriation flights. The airline’s workforce has already been temporarily cut by 30% and this will increase to almost 100% at the point of complete flight suspension. <br/>