Brussels Airlines is getting ready to restart its commercial flights between Accra and Brussels on 11 September.
To protect the health of its customers and staff throughout their travel journey, the airline has reviewed its services and processes and has taken the necessary measures, based on recommendations by the international aviation organizations IATA and EASA and the Belgian health authorities. *
A statement issued by the company noted that, “On 11 September, Brussels Airlines will relaunch regular commercial flight operations between Accra and Brussels. Based on the market demand and the applicable travel restrictions, the airline has designed a reduced schedule, starting with two flights per week.”
It also stated that, via its hub in Brussels, Brussels Airlines passengers will have access to the rest of the airline’s network, including connections to London, Brussels, Paris, Geneva, Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and the United States and Canada with the schedule below:
- Wednesdays and Saturdays (departure from Accra at 21:10 and arrival in Brussels at 05:40 +1).
- Tuesdays and Fridays (departure from Brussels at 15:40 and arriving in Accra at 20:20)
As from 25 September, the schedule will change as below:
- Wednesdays and Fridays (departure from Accra at 21:20 and arrival in Brussels at 05:40 + 1).
- Tuesdays and Thursdays (departure from Brussels at 15:40 and arriving in Accra at 20:20)
The statement further noted that, “As travel plans can change for passengers in these volatile times, Brussels Airlines continues its flexible reservations policy in order to offer its customers the necessary flexibility. Customers who had already booked a flight as well as those booking their tickets now, can postpone their travel to another date and/or destination without change fees. Customers can postpone their travel plans until 31 December 2021.”
“In order to protect the health of its customers and staff, Brussels Airlines has put in place several hygiene measures while still allowing to travel in all comfort,” it added.
Kotoka International Airport
Departing passengers are required to adhere to COVID -19 testing requirements for the destination countries, always wear a facemask appropriately while adhering to social distancing as well as hygiene protocols when entering the Airport. All passengers will undergo temperature screening at the entrance of Terminal 3 departures.
Online check-in or the use of self-service kiosks is strongly encouraged to reduce physical contact at the airport. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before scheduled flights.
On board – ACC BRU
The cabin crew will offer to apply hand sanitizer to all passengers when boarding the aircraft, as well as hand out a disinfectant wipe. The aircraft disinfection process has been reinforced and a stronger detergent is being used to make sure all surfaces are clean and the risk of contamination is reduced to a minimum. In combination with the HEPA filters that are on board every Brussels Airlines aircraft, passengers can travel with peace of mind.
The HEPA filters on board create a downward stream of continuously cleaned air, which takes away 99.9% of particles in the air, creating an atmosphere in the cabin that is comparable to the air quality of hospital operating theatres.
During the flight, the airline reduces physical contact between passengers and crew as much as possible. Therefore, the catering service has been adapted and the duty free service will be possible for electronic payments only. Unnecessary paper like menu cards, magazines and newspapers have also been removed from the aircraft.
The set of measures is based on the recommendations of both IATA (International Air Travel Association) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) as well as Belgian and international health authorities.
At Brussels Airport
When arriving or departing in Brussels, Brussels Airport performs temperature checks before allowing passengers to enter the terminal. At the airport check-in and sales desks, plexiglass screens have been installed to protect check-in agents as well as passengers. Transactions are limited to electronic payment. Social distance courtesy lines remind travelers to keep at a safe distance. Additional cleaning procedure, hand sanitizers and hygiene reminders are available throughout the airport. Wearing a mask that covers mouth and nose is mandatory as from the moment you enter the airport domain.
