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A member of the German federal police secures the terminal area at the airport in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. DPA Germany

Brussels airport to stay closed tomorrow, unclear when it will re-open

Aer Lingus has cancelled its flights, while Ryanair is flying to Charleroi instead.

Updated 4pm

FLIGHTS TO AND from Brussels international airport remain suspended today, leading to knock-on effects around Europe and further afield as airlines cancel or change destination airports.

Meanwhile, in their latest update airport management said they were unable to give a clear indication on when the facility might be able to reopen.

Flights will remain suspended tomorrow, it was confirmed.

“Investigation still ongoing,” a tweet today said.

“Until we have access to the building & can assess damage, it remains unclear when we can resume operations.”

Belgium has raised its terror alert to the highest level in the wake of yesterday’s blasts at the airport and a city metro station, in which dozens were killed and scores more injured.

Meanwhile in its latest advisory for Irish travellers, the Department of Foreign Affairs has said people should “delay non-essential travel until the situation has stabilised”.

Any Irish citizens in Belgium should exercise extreme caution and closely follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair

All Aer Lingus flights to and from Brussels scheduled for today and tomorrow have been cancelled, with the following flights for tomorrow affected:

  • EI 630 Dublin to Brussels – cancelled
  • EI 631 Brussels to Dublin – cancelled
  • EI 634 Dublin to Brussels – cancelled
  • EI 635 Brussels to Dublin – cancelled
  • EI 638 Dublin to Brussels – cancelled
  • EI 639 Brussels to Dublin – cancelled 

Prospective passengers who have bookings on flights to or from the city between now and the end of the month can change their date of travel for free online or request a full refund.

Ryanair says its flights scheduled to operate to and from Brussels Zaventem today and tomorrow will now operate to and from Brussels Charleroi.

bruss Brussels South Charleroi Airport Brussels South Charleroi Airport

The budget airline adds:

“Customers booked to fly from Brussels Zaventem on Wednesday, 23rd March should make their way to Brussels Charleroi.

“Please arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight time and allow extra time for your extra security checks.

You are permitted to use your original Brussels Zaventem boarding pass for this flight.

Brussels’ underground (metro) was partially running again by this morning under tight security, with soldiers checking passengers’ bags at station entrances.

The rush-hour crowds on the platforms were noticeably thinner than usual.

With reporting by AFP.

Read: Two brothers reportedly behind Brussels suicide bombings

Read: Teenager who survived Boston bombing injured in Brussels airport attack

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Daragh Brophy
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