BRUSSELS, Nov 4: Brussels Airlines has terminated three senior flight attendants after they refused to fly a long-haul route, citing concerns about alleged bed bugs on board, sparking tensions between the carrier and its crew.

The incident occurred on October 16 after cleaning staff reported signs of bed bugs on an Airbus A330-300 scheduled to fly from Brussels, Belgium, to Accra, Ghana, Aviation24 reported. Brussels Airlines conducted its own inspection and confirmed the aircraft was free of the pests.

Experts note that bed bugs can inadvertently travel on luggage, clothing, and personal items, making such concerns not uncommon.

“After thorough inspection, it was confirmed as a false alarm, and the aircraft was accepted by the captain of the flight to re-enter service,” airline spokesperson Nico Cardone told the Post. “Our cleaning staff are trained to be vigilant in this type of situation.”

Despite the clearance, three of the five flight attendants who raised concerns invoked their “unfit to fly” rights, a European aviation policy allowing crew to withdraw from duty if physically or psychologically unable to perform their job.

Brussels Airlines considered their refusal “gross misconduct” and said the employees, who had 20, 27, and 30 years of service, flagrantly breached procedures, causing operational and financial harm. The airline stood by the dismissals.

Union representatives condemned the decision, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for crew safety. “Crew who feel unsafe or unfit may now be pressured to fly regardless of their condition, which jeopardizes passenger safety,” said Jeroen Van Ranst of the Dutch-speaking union ACV Puls.

Negotiations between the unions and the airline have so far failed to resolve the dispute, and a protest action is being considered, though the airline has not confirmed any strike plans. Many are urging management to reinstate the dismissed crew members to restore trust.

Several flight attendants described the situation as part of a broader decline in working conditions, citing management pressure, frequent cancellations, and an aging long-haul fleet. “We’re tired of being harassed and threatened,” one crew member told Aviation24.be. “The company has become toxic.”

Bed bugs are a more common problem than often perceived. “Bedbugs often hitchhike on luggage and personal items; they can unknowingly end up on airplanes,” said Georgia-based Orkin entomologist Hottel. “They are incredibly skilled at traveling on personal belongings such as luggage, clothing, purses, and gym bags. Travelers can unknowingly transport them from one place to another.”

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between airline management and staff over safety, working conditions, and employee rights in European aviation.