The holiday company has spare Boeing 737s, but they can only depart from larger airports such as Brussels. That’s why flights there are being moved. TUI hopes to be able to fly from Antwerp again as soon as possible, but it doesn’t know when yet. As a precaution, all passengers flying from Antwerp until October 6 will be offered an alternative.
TUI has a total of three Embraer E195-E2s, which are specifically designed to offer holiday flights from Antwerp. Furthermore, the company only flies larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Boeing 787. Also, sister companies in other European countries do not have Embraer aircraft, so no aircraft can be borrowed.
Statement from TUI
“Due to ongoing issues in global supply chains, critical spare parts and components for our Embraer E2 aircraft have arrived after several months of delays. As a result, the first Embraer 195-E2 aircraft could no longer be used and TUI fly had to rebook a number of flights from Antwerp to Brussels.
“The solution to fly from Antwerp with another aircraft was impossible because the length of the runway does not allow the use of larger aircraft from the Boeing fleet. Some time ago, the second Embraer was also affected by a situation in which the loss of spare parts was necessary, and last weekend TUI Aviation unfortunately had to ground the third aircraft as well.
TUI continues: “We are working closely with our suppliers to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and hope to resume our flights to and from Antwerp as soon as possible. In order to find a permanent solution to this situation, an alternative flight will be offered for all flights to and from Antwerp until October 6. All affected passengers will be contacted personally about this matter.
The Dutch are also among the affected travellers. TUI Netherlands is selling holiday packages with flights from Antwerp.
Antwerp Airport
The inability to fly the E195-E2 has a major impact not only on TUI, but also on Antwerp Airport. TUI operates more than 90 percent of passenger flights at that airport, so it will be quieter in the near future.