A government Airbus A319CJ carrying Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was put out of service on 17 December after mobile passenger stairs struck the fuselage while the aircraft was being marshalled at Brussels Airport. Details of the incident emerged on 19 December in an Aviation24.be report quoting Slovakia’s Interior Ministry.
No injuries occurred, and the prime minister was able to attend the European Council summit; however, he had to arrange alternative transport home.
Flight crews suddenly needing to adjust itineraries or secure short-notice Schengen visas—for example, when their aircraft is grounded—can turn to VisaHQ, whose digital platform expedites Belgium travel documents and crew letters in a matter of hours; see https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ for details. By outsourcing paperwork, operators free up time to coordinate maintenance and alternative lift.
![Ground-Handling Mishap Damages Slovak PM’s Jet at Brussels Airport, Raises Safety Questions]()
The event has prompted Belgium’s Federal Mobility Service to open an investigation into ramp-safety protocols. Brussels Airport Company says it is reviewing training procedures with ground-handling subcontractors and may introduce additional spot checks during peak periods.
While the incident involved a state aircraft, corporate-flight departments should note the wider operational implications: insurers often reassess premiums after high-profile ramp accidents, potentially increasing costs for business-jet operators using Brussels. Scheduled airlines are also watching closely; any mandatory procedural changes could lengthen turnaround times, putting punctuality targets at risk during the holiday rush.
Experts point out that Brussels’ apron layout is unusually tight near certain Schengen-arrival gates, heightening collision risks when equipment is repositioned quickly. The airport’s planned West Apron expansion, slated for 2027, aims to ease congestion but will not provide immediate relief.
No injuries occurred, and the prime minister was able to attend the European Council summit; however, he had to arrange alternative transport home.
Flight crews suddenly needing to adjust itineraries or secure short-notice Schengen visas—for example, when their aircraft is grounded—can turn to VisaHQ, whose digital platform expedites Belgium travel documents and crew letters in a matter of hours; see https://www.visahq.com/belgium/ for details. By outsourcing paperwork, operators free up time to coordinate maintenance and alternative lift.
The event has prompted Belgium’s Federal Mobility Service to open an investigation into ramp-safety protocols. Brussels Airport Company says it is reviewing training procedures with ground-handling subcontractors and may introduce additional spot checks during peak periods.
While the incident involved a state aircraft, corporate-flight departments should note the wider operational implications: insurers often reassess premiums after high-profile ramp accidents, potentially increasing costs for business-jet operators using Brussels. Scheduled airlines are also watching closely; any mandatory procedural changes could lengthen turnaround times, putting punctuality targets at risk during the holiday rush.
Experts point out that Brussels’ apron layout is unusually tight near certain Schengen-arrival gates, heightening collision risks when equipment is repositioned quickly. The airport’s planned West Apron expansion, slated for 2027, aims to ease congestion but will not provide immediate relief.
