According to recent reports, two flights operated by the Moroccan national airline were canceled on Tuesday between Casablanca and Brussels, affecting travel in both directions. Passengers were informed of the situation, which has been deemed a force majeure event due to the temporary closure of airspace, rendering all operations impossible. This disruption also extends to the route connecting Tangier to Brussels, exacerbating the challenges faced by travelers between Morocco and Belgium.
The root cause of these inconveniences stems from an unannounced strike that has been described as 'wildcat', as it was initiated without any prior warning. Such social movements create significant challenges for both authorities and airlines, who struggle to anticipate necessary adjustments, including rescheduling flights and informing passengers in advance.
On Monday night into Tuesday morning, an initial suspension of air traffic was observed between 2:30 AM and 7 AM, during which the Belgian airspace was completely shut down, with no takeoffs or landings permitted at any airport across the country. The situation deteriorated further throughout the day. According to Belgian media, a new suspension of air traffic has been scheduled starting at 2 PM, potentially lasting until 9 PM. This decision arises amidst internal tensions surrounding the reorganization of air traffic control in Belgium.
The European organization Eurocontrol has also reported a near-total interruption of Belgian air traffic during this timeframe, confirming the extent of the disruptions. This temporary paralysis of Belgian airspace has triggered cascading effects at various airports, particularly those linking Brussels to major international hubs. Airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, have been compelled to cancel certain flights, citing circumstances beyond their control.
For passengers, the situation is expected to remain fluid over the coming hours, depending on the developments surrounding the social movement and the decisions made by Belgian civil aviation authorities.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
