Brussels Airport departure hall reopens after 40 days

Travellers in the departure hall at Brussels' Zaventem Airport as it reopens 40 days after deadly attacks Credit: REUTERS/Eric Vidal

Brussels' Zaventem Airport departure hall has reopened to the public, 40 days after twin suicide attacks killed 16 people.

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel reopened the hall, which is currently operating at 80% capacity, with 111 check-in desks out of 180 operational.

Temporary structures outside the airport - that were erected after the coordinated attacks on March 22 - remain in service, in order to control passengers and luggage before they enter the departure hall.

32 people died and over 300 were injured during the suicide attacks at Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek metro station. The bombings were the deadliest act of terrorism in the country.

A traveler walks in the departure hall at Brussels' Zaventem Airport Credit: REUTERS/Eric Vidal
The departure hall was devastated after the suicide attacks, but has now been rebuilt Credit: REUTERS/Eric Vidal
Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel speaks during a ceremony at Brussels Airport as the departure hall reopens 40 days after deadly attacks Credit: REUTERS/Eric Vidal