After more than three decades, TUI is set to quit its operations to and from Liège Airport, according to information received from the tourism group on Thursday.
The last flight by TUI fly Belgium at Liège is scheduled for 4 January. TUI explained that the Liège flights fail to meet profitability expectations, with limited potential for improvement in the short to medium term.
Consequently, the group has decided to relocate its aircraft to airports where they can be operated more efficiently, both commercially and operationally.
Christian Delcourt, spokesperson for Liège Airport, remarked: "This decision marks the end of a long partnership dating back to 1994, 31 years ago."
The airport was informed of this decision on Wednesday. Delcourt described the move as a "historic turnaround," but emphasised that TUI’s operations constitute only a small fraction of the airport’s traffic, which is primarily freight-focused.
As the only passenger airline at Liège, TUI’s departure raises concerns about the future of airport employees involved in passenger services, including those at TUI, as well as handlers, catering staff, and security personnel. Delcourt indicated that several dozen jobs could be at risk, and the airport is currently conducting an analysis.
TUI had previously ceased operations at Charleroi Airport but continues to operate at Brussels Airport and the airports in Antwerp and Ostend.
