Ryanair staff are on strike from this Friday until Sunday. From Charleroi, 66 return flights are affected each day. In total, 21,000 passengers will not be able to take their plane.
Camille and Éloïse, like other holidaymakers, had their Ryanair flight from Charleroi to Tenerife canceled two days before departure. They finally booked a flight with another company. The situation was quite complicated to manage. “We placed leave and we didn’t know if we were going to leave“said one of the two friends. “It’s always last minute when we wanted a relaxing holiday.“
Flights still maintained
At Charleroi airport, 50% of Ryanair flights have been cancelled. Some were therefore able to leave despite the staff strike. “We’re a little sad and we feel a little guilty for taking a flight“, says Martin, a lucky traveler. “But we had booked, it’s unfortunate but that’s how it is.“Another favored one also sympathizes.”It’s a shame for those who don’t know how to leave because we all need it“, she says. “To decompress with this crisis that has just passed.“
Staff now hope to be heard
Cabin crew members were present this morning in the departures hall. They are supported by other colleagues, in particular pilots. They hope to finally be heard. “Morally, the oldest among us know we have to fight“, explains Luis Carvalho, cabin manager and CNE union representative.The youngest have a salary of 900 or 1000€ and they have to live in Belgium. They don’t have the courage.“
An important impact
On the runway, Ryanair planes are grounded. The impact of this strike is significant for the airport. “We lose 21,000 passengers, it’s very sad“, says Philippe Verdonck, the managing director of Charleroi airport. “Of the 138 arrival-departure flights, 66 are impacted. We therefore have 72 operational flights, all companies combined.“
63 return flights will be impacted on Saturday and around 66 flights on Sunday.
