I’m sure you’re aware of the attacks in Brussels today that have targeted Brussels Airport in Zaventem, and the Brussels Metro in Maelbeek.
The state of play for the next few days is going to be a tough one for the traveller:
Brussels Airport is closed to traffic, with the airport not due to open until at least Thursday according to Brussels Airport Twitter feed:
The airport will also be closed tomorrow 23 March. Tomorrow we’ll evaluate & decide if @BrusselsAirport will resume operations on Thursday.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
The flag carrier – Brussels Airlines have suspended their network operations as well pending the airport reopening.
Other carriers who serve Brussels Airport have issued waivers and change notices. A non-exhaustive list below:
- Air Canada
- Air France
- American Airlines
- ANA
- BMI Regional
- British Airways
- Delta
- EasyJet
- Iberia
- Lufthansa
- Ryanair
- United Airlines
Flights will be under review subject to Brussels Airport re-opening on the 24th March 2016.
Train services to Brussels are affected too:
- Eurostar has resumed a very limited service to Brussels, but are advising passengers not to travel
- Thalys is operating services, however advises extra time for security
- SNCB/NMBS are reporting they are operating services, but limited access to some stations, and access to Brussels Airport not possible
Inside Brussels, Trams 92 and 92 are operating, along with various bus services to be used as a resort of getting home as opposed for destination travel.
Meanwhile, for those of you who are intending to travel, here is the latest advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
There were explosions at Zaventem International Airport and Maalbeek station in Brussels on 22 March 2016. The airport is currently closed. Eurostar is operating a limited service to Brussels. See the Eurostar website for further detail. Public transport in Brussels is now operating.
The Belgian authorities are currently advising against travel to Brussels. You are advised to follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities. The Belgian threat level is Level 4 – a serious and imminent threat. You should remain alert and vigilant, and stay away from crowded places. You can find more information on the Belgian Crisis Centre website and Twitter feed.
The Belgian Crisis Centre has given the Belgian telephone number +32 2753 7300 for concerned family/friends or 1771 (+32 7815 1771 from outside Belgium) for general enquiries. If you’re worried that a relative may have been affected you can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0000.
Please take extra care if you’re in the area, and follow the advice of police and other agencies if you are intending to travel to the Brussels Area in the next few days