EX-YU airlines seek Brussels alternatives

Thursday, March 24, 2016

EX-YU airlines have begun rerouting their flights after Brussels Airport announced it would remain closed through Friday following Tuesday’s twin suicide bombings that left at least 31 dead and 260 injured. 

Adria Airways, which maintains fourteen weekly flights to the Belgian capital (twelve from Ljubljana and two from Tirana), will be operating flights to Liege instead. Ground transportation will be provided from Brussels (pick up point in front of the Slovenian Embassy) to Liege Airport and vice versa. "It is expected that all other Adria Airways scheduled flights to/from Brussels will be redirected to Liege until Brussels Airport is reopened", the Slovenian carrier said in a statement.

Croatia Airlines, which operates eleven weekly flights to Brussels, has cancelled this morning's service from Zagreb. However, its afternoon flight will be rerouted to Liege. Transfer passengers will be offered alternative flights. Travellers are asked to arrive at Liege Airport three hours in advance.

Air Serbia has cancelled its flights to Brussels. The airline, which maintains five weekly flights to the Belgian capital this winter, said, "The airline is assisting guests with alternative arrangements and offering rebooking options. The safety and security of our guests and staff is of paramount importance and remains our utmost priority".

Meanwhile, Brussels Airlines will operate its service to Zagreb from Liege today.

It is uncertain when Brussels Airport will reopen and flights resume. “Because the forensic investigation is still underway, we currently have no access to the building. Until we can assess the damage, it remains unclear when we can resume operations”, the airport said in a statement.