Brussels Airport To Partially Reopen After Deadly Attacks
KABUL: (MEP) Brussels airport is set to partially reopen for passenger flights on Sunday aimed at tight security controls, right 12 days after it was hit by deadly suicide attacks that killed 34 people.
The airport’s chief executive, Arnaud Feist, said travelers would be subject to additional security checks, as police had demanded. “This restart, even if it’s only partial, it is a sign of hope,” he added.
The airport has remained closed to regularly scheduled passenger flights since suicide bombings devastated the departure hall on March 22, killing and injuring scores of people.
Police unions held up the reopening, however, and threatened to go on strike unless stricter checks were introduced. A deal with the government was reached late on Friday, clearing the way for flights to resume.
Only passengers with tickets and identity documents will be allowed into the check-in areas after their luggage has been checked. The number plates of cars heading for the airport will also be scanned and police will carry out spot checks.
Authorities on March 31 gave the airport approval in principal to resume passenger flights. However, lingering concerns about security at the temporary departure facility had kept officials from setting a date on when flights could resume.
