Thousands face travel chaos after Brussels attacks

Thousands of passengers face disruption after flights between the UK and Brussels were cancelled for a second day following bomb attacks in the Belgian capital.

Published 22nd Mar 2016

Thousands of passengers face disruption after flights between the UK and Brussels were cancelled for a second day following bomb attacks in the Belgian capital.

All flights at the city's main airport were suspended after two explosions in the departures hall.

The airport has confirmed that it will remain closed on Wednesday.

All Eurostar trains to and from Brussels were suspended for most of the day, with services from London terminating in the French city of Lille.

The cross-Channel operator said two trains from London to Brussels would run “for those whose travel is a necessity”.

A full service is expected to resume tomorrow, according to Eurostar.

British Airways said customers due to travel to Brussels up to and including March 29 can alter their booking.

Brussels Airlines, which serves a number of UK airports, also cancelled its services from Brussels for the next two days.

Security has also been stepped up at transport hubs in the UK.

A spokesman for Heathrow said: “In the light of events in Brussels Airport we are working with the police at Heathrow who are providing a high-visibility presence.”

Gatwick issued a statement which read: “As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels we have increased our security presence and patrols around the airport.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated its travel advice for Britons in Brussels, urging them to “stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport at this time”.

British officials in the city have been given the same instructions, the FCO said.

Anyone who is concerned about family or friends in Brussels can contact the FCO's helpline on 0207 008 0000.

A spokesman for travel organisation Abta said British holidaymakers in Brussels should follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities, while those due to travel should contact their transport provider.

He added that although Belgium is a popular destination for UK visitors, March is “one of the quieter months for leisure travel”.

Thousands of passengers face disruption after flights between the UK and Brussels were cancelled for two days following bomb attacks in the Belgian capital.

All flights at the city's main airport were suspended after two explosions in the departures hall.

The airport has confirmed that it will remain closed on Wednesday.

All Eurostar trains to and from Brussels were suspended for most of the day, with services from London terminating in the French city of Lille.

The cross-Channel operator said two trains from London to Brussels would run “for those whose travel is a necessity”.

A full service is expected to resume tomorrow, according to Eurostar.

British Airways said customers due to travel to Brussels up to and including March 29 can alter their booking.

Brussels Airlines, which serves a number of UK airports, also cancelled its services from Brussels for the next two days.

Security has also been stepped up at transport hubs in the UK.

A spokesman for Heathrow said: “In the light of events in Brussels Airport we are working with the police at Heathrow who are providing a high-visibility presence.”

Gatwick issued a statement which read: “As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels we have increased our security presence and patrols around the airport.”

The Belgian authorities are advising against travel to Brussels, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said.

The FCO updated its own travel advice for Britons in the city, urging them to “stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport at this time”.

Anyone who is concerned about family or friends in Brussels can contact the FCO's helpline on 0207 008 0000.

A spokesman for travel organisation Abta said British holidaymakers in Brussels should follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities, while those due to travel should contact their transport provider.

He added that although Belgium is a popular destination for UK visitors, March is one of the quieter months for leisure travel''.