Brussels Airport remains locked down today after dual terrorist attacks struck BRU and the Maelbeek Metro station in the Belgium capital yesterday killing at least 30 and wounding more than 200. ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the three blasts.
All flights – both passenger and cargo – have been cancelled until further notice the airport said in a statement. The airport will remain closed for at least today as police forensic personnel collect evidence and damage to the terminal is assessed following the two bomb blasts within the departures terminal.
The air cargo sector is bracing for what it anticipates will be an intensification of security measures – certainly across Europe, but with likely ripple effects across the globe. Belgium’s aviation authority has reportedly tighened up screening procedures, including cargo coming from known consignors and regulated agents, which may require rescreening, once the airport resumes operations.
“On behalf of the entire airport community, I would like to extend our warmest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of these cowardly and heinous acts,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency and rescue services, passengers and staff for their compassion, solidarity and help. This is, without doubt, the blackest day in the history of Brussels Airport.”
At about 8 am Tuesday local time, two blasts detonated in the departures terminal, filled with travelers from around the world on the move during a busy Easter week. Within seconds, at least a dozen of them lay dead; hundreds of others bleeding from injuries after windows shattered and blew out and sections of the ceiling collapsed. A third bomb was later deactivated at the airport, according to reports.
The third blast hit Maelbeek metro station in the city centre, a short walk from many European Union offices, around 9:10 am, killing at least 20 and injuring more than 100 people, the AP reported.
Police are now hunting for one of three suspects – two were believed to have died in the airport suicide blasts.
