Brussels airport has run nearly 40 flights in its second day of resumed service. Belgium is struggling to get back to normal after two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the departure hall nearly two weeks ago.
An airport official said Monday's number was a sharp rise over the three flights on Sunday, but a far cry from what the airport usually handles per day.
"Monday we have 40 flights scheduled. Tuesday there will be more or less a hundred flights, and from Wednesday, we are still doing the schematics but there will be a little more again in terms of flights and more airlines too," said Nathalie Van Impe, airport spokeswoman.
"It is too early to say when we will be back to our usual capacity of about 600 flights a day. We are seeing how we can organize our operation in this area, where the infrastructure has been damaged. "
Two big white tents are serving as temporary check-in facilities. Passengers were asked to come three hours before departure to allow time for tight new security checks.
only passengers with travel and ID documents are allowed into the makeshift departure hall. All bags will be checked before entering.
The airport will initially only be accessible by car, with no access for buses and trains. Vehicles will be screened and subject to spot checks.
It will take months to repair the departure hall. It's expected that the airport will start running normally again from late June or early July.
