Just hours after Brussels Airport warned of a probable shutdown on 12 March, Air Canada became the first non-European carrier to activate a fee-waiver policy for passengers ticketed to or from Brussels between 11 and 14 March. The 17 February advisory allows one free change to travel dates up to 31 March 2026, subject to cabin-class availability, or a full refund if no alternative can be found.
The airline normally operates two daily services—Montreal–Brussels and Toronto–Brussels—both popular with corporate travellers and global-mobility assignees linking North America to EU headquarters. Air Canada said crews and aircraft will be repositioned to other European gateways during the stoppage, minimising knock-on disruption across its trans-Atlantic network.
![Air Canada Offers Free Rebooking on Brussels Routes Ahead of 12 March Walk-Out]()
Global HR teams relocating staff between Canada and Belgium should check connecting sectors on Lufthansa Group partners, many of which have also opened ‘good-for-ticket’ windows. Mobility tax specialists warn that extended stays in Canada caused by rebooking could inadvertently lengthen Canadian taxable presence; companies may need to adjust shadow-payroll calculations.
Travel-management companies (TMCs) recommend that travellers retain original booking references when making changes, enabling duty-of-care tracking systems to update automatically. Employers should also remind mobile workers that Belgian residence-permit renewals require physical presence in Belgium; those with appointments in mid-March may need to reschedule.
Although other airlines have yet to follow suit, observers expect similar waivers from United Airlines and Brussels Airlines within days. If so, early re-accommodation will become harder as inventory tightens, so proactive rebooking is advised.
The airline normally operates two daily services—Montreal–Brussels and Toronto–Brussels—both popular with corporate travellers and global-mobility assignees linking North America to EU headquarters. Air Canada said crews and aircraft will be repositioned to other European gateways during the stoppage, minimising knock-on disruption across its trans-Atlantic network.
Global HR teams relocating staff between Canada and Belgium should check connecting sectors on Lufthansa Group partners, many of which have also opened ‘good-for-ticket’ windows. Mobility tax specialists warn that extended stays in Canada caused by rebooking could inadvertently lengthen Canadian taxable presence; companies may need to adjust shadow-payroll calculations.
Travel-management companies (TMCs) recommend that travellers retain original booking references when making changes, enabling duty-of-care tracking systems to update automatically. Employers should also remind mobile workers that Belgian residence-permit renewals require physical presence in Belgium; those with appointments in mid-March may need to reschedule.
Although other airlines have yet to follow suit, observers expect similar waivers from United Airlines and Brussels Airlines within days. If so, early re-accommodation will become harder as inventory tightens, so proactive rebooking is advised.
Source: TravelPulse
