Jet Airways says Brussels flights unviable, begins employee dialogue on future of European hub

May choose Amsterdam as gateway to US and Canada

Jet Airways has said it is reviewing its operations in Brussels, now “unviable due to significant changes in the competitive scenario” in Europe. Brussels is capital of Belgium, a country in western Europe.

The airline has initiated a consultative process with its 25 Belgian employees, as required under local laws, to determine the future of its operations there.

Jet is likely to make Amsterdam (Netherlands’ capital) its gateway for flights to the US and Canada, replacing Brussels.  It has slots at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and is in talks with Air France-KLM and Delta Airlines for commercial partnerships and code-sharing on European and North American routes. Code-sharing is an agreement between two or more airlines to carry each other’s passengers and use their own set of letters and numbers for flights provided by another airline.

“No decision on the Brussels operations has been taken,” a spokesperson said.

Sources said Schiphol offered better connections and network opportunities. It is connected with 153 destinations within Europe. Jet has found it difficult to get onward passengers over Brussels, due to the limited strength of its local airline partner, Brussels Airlines.

Jet had plans to fly to New York and Chicago via Abu Dhabi but those plans are on hold. It is considering extending the leases of seven widebody planes with Etihad Airways.

Sources say even as it explores the Amsterdam option,  there is a possibility of Jet connecting Newark via Abu Dhabi.

At present, there is no direct flight but multiple flight options between Newark and Amsterdam. Jet has a code-sharing agreement with KLM. Etihad, which owns 24 per cent in Jet, has code-sharing pacts with Air France and KLM.  

Air France-KLM have a partnership with Delta on US routes.