Painters have been adding an extra dot to the airline's logo

The 13 dots making up the stylised 'b' brought a flood of complaints about the "unlucky" design.

The airline, which formally launches on 25 March, said it was taken aback by the strength of feeling and felt obliged to respond.

It has now altered the design to incorporate an additional dot.

Brussels Airlines was formed from the merger of SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express.

Brussels Airlines spokesman Geert Sciot said: "They [passengers] said they were not pleased with an aircraft with a logo with 13 balls because they think it brings them bad luck.

"We are never surprised by reactions - but that it was that bad? It really took us aback," he said.