Brussels Airlines confirms Belgian capital's Zaventem airport is 'closed until further notice'

Airport management says it will be opening for a restricted flight programme from 24 March onwards

Destroyed windows at the terminal building following the terrorist attack at Brussels Airport in Zaventem (EPA)

Brussels Airlines, the main carrier to and from the Belgian capital’s Zaventem airport, says “The airport is closed until further notice. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Brussels Airlines go out to everyone affected by these terrible attacks. Brussels Airlines priority now is to do everything to assist and support its colleagues and passengers.” All its flights are cancelled on 22 and 23 March; affected passengers can get a full refund or re-book for flights up to the end of June.

The airport management says it will be opening for a restricted flight programme from 24 March onwards. However, it will be far from normal because a significant proportion of the landside facilities are unusable, and security will be extremely strict - with only ticketed passengers allowed access.

British Airways says passengers with a confirmed booking for travel to/from Brussels on Wednesday 23 March can rebook flights for a later date or claim a full refund. Anyone travelling from or to the Belgian capital between Thursday 24 March and Tuesday 29 March can postpone their journey.

Brussels airport currently remains closed and our flights from and to Brussels on 22 and 23 March have been cancelled.

The UK’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, coincidentally ended flights between Gatwick and Brussels just before the attack. It still has a number of routes to and from the Belgian capital, and has cancelled services on 22 and 23 March. “Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident,” its statement concludes.

Ryanair flies from both Brussels and Charleroi, the budget airport south of the capital. It says Charleroi services are running, although with some delays. Customers due to travel to/from Brussels Zaventem on 23 March should check the Ryanair.com website for the latest information. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims.”

Eurostar has restarted a limited service from London St Pancras to and from Brussels Midi as from this evening and plans a full service on 24 March. The train operator says passengers should allow an hour for check-in.