Brussels airport partially reopens to limited flights after terror attack

Islamic Extremism

Brussels international airport has partially reopened 12 days after it was hit by terrorist bomb attacks. New safety measures have been put in place but the airport says it will take months before the can return to full capacity.

CCTV’s Jack Parrock reports from Brussels.

Brussels airport has been empty for days since suicide bombs there and at a metro station in the city center killed 32 people and injured hundreds more.

The first day of the airport reopening saw three passenger flights depart – flying to Portugal, Greece, and Italy. A makeshift departure area has been erected for people to check in.

Brussels 4

“A restart of the operations, even only partially, as quick as this is a sign of hope that shows our shared will, and our strength to resurface and not to let our heads down,” Brussels Airport Chief Executive Arnaud Fiest said.

The reopening was delayed after the police union demanded checks for cars before they get close to the airport and another check before passengers enter the departures hall.

The airport said it wants to be running at 20 percent capacity as soon as possible but be back up to full speed by early June, in time for the people of Belgium to fly off on their summer holidays.

For Belgium’s national carrier, Brussels Airlines, the reopening will be very welcome – they’ve reportedly been losing $5.7 million per day.