Officials Say Reopening Represents An Important Symbol For The Country

Brussels Airport has officially reopened its departures hall during a short reopening ceremony Sunday. Airport officials said in a news release that the reopening of the departures hall is an important symbol of the recovery of our country a mere 40 days after the 22 March attacks that hit the airport in its heart.

The opening ceremony was attended by employees of the airport community and the emergency services, as well as representatives of the highest authorities of the country.

"This is a very important day for Brussels Airport. We're again seeing the familiar image of passengers in our departures hall, a big step towards the return to normal activities at the airport which will give a boost to the economy of the entire nation. Brussels Airport not only is the second most important center of economic growth with 20,000 jobs, we also connect Belgium with the rest of the world and are often regarded worldwide as a symbol of our country. That we are returning to an almost normal situation in so little time, is important for the confidence of our business, investors and foreign tourists," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company, at the opening ceremony.

"After the expressions of solidarity in the first days, we now receive messages of admiration and support from other airports and airlines for the quick restart of our airport. Let's hope that due to this quick restart the negative impact of the attacks on our country will be limited in time, as was the case with similar events in other countries," said Marc Descheemaecker, chairman of the board of directors of Brussels Airport Company.

During the opening ceremony the first passengers entered the reopened departures hall. In total, about 400 passengers for Malaga, Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca checked in at the reopened departures hall at Brussels Airport on Sunday.

Brussels Airport wishes to expressly thank all parties involved in the restart of the airport for their contribution: all employees of Brussels Airport Company and of the entire airport community, the federal police, the ministries of the Interior and of Transport, the Directorate-general of Civil Aviation and Belgium Slot Coordination.

Brussels Airport continues work in the departures hall. In several places, the damage caused by the explosions has not yet been fully repaired. The goal of the airport operator is to be able to receive all passengers in the departures hall before the start of the summer holidays.

As of Monday 111 check-in desks will be open in the departures hall, in addition to the 36 desks in the temporary constructions. This means that 147 check-in desks and several self check-in kiosks in the departures hall and temporary construction will be available to the passengers. This extra capacity will make the experience more comfortable and agreeable for passengers departing from Brussels Airport.

The airlines will inform their passengers of where to check in. This information is also available on the Brussels Airport website. Brussels Airport staff will be present on the spot to help passengers who are unsure about where to check in.

The additional security measures put in place at Brussels Airport after the 22 March attacks remain in force. The travel advice and practical tips for passengers remain unchanged:

• Arrive at the airport 3 hours ahead of your scheduled departure time
• Travel light: do not take more than necessary
• Respect the Liquids and Gels restrictions
• Check in online in through your airline's website
• Bring a printed copy of your reservation, ticket or boarding pass
• Keep your identity card or passport ready when arriving at the airport
• Only passengers are admitted in the departures hall and the temporary constructions

(Source: Brussels airport news release)

FMI: www.brusselsairport.be