Travel to Brussels

Posted: 22/03/2016

22 March 2016 - RPS Partnership

A suspected terrorist bombing at Brussels Zaventem airport has left at least 11 people dead and tens wounded this morning. Two loud explosions were centred on the American Airlines desk in the departure hall at around 0800 hrs local time. There was also reports that shots were fired and Arabic shouted before the explosions. Some reports have suggested that firefighters have discovered more explosive devices at the airport. The terminal has been evacuated and trains suspended to the airport. It is possible the death toll will rise as more information becomes available.

All metro stations have now been closed and all flights are now being diverted to other airports.

The explosions occurred as Brussels was on high alert following the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, one of the key suspects in the Paris attacks, on 18 March. No claim of responsibility has yet been made, but coming so soon after the arrest and during a sustained period of heightened alert in Brussels since November, suspicion will undoubtedly fall on Islamic State. The attack is likely to prompt heavy security restrictions around the Belgium capital, as was the case after the Paris attacks, when Brussels was placed on lockdown over several days.

It is recommended that travellers avoid going to Brussels for the next few days and then reassess at the weekend. it is very likely that the city will go into lockdown again with travel being difficult in and out of the city.

Thanks to PGI for the detail in the update.

Photo: London Telegraph and supplied

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