Brussels Airport security tightened amid terrorism concerns

Security checks on all flights to the US from Brussels Airport have been stepped up due to a ‘credible threat’ of an Al-Qaeda bomb attack. According to Ingrid Van Daele, spokesperson for Minister of the Interior Joëlle Milquet, passengers will not be too seriously affected by the increased security though.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson called on Wednesday for greater security measures to be taken in several foreign airports in Europe and the Middle East where there are direct flights available to the US. The move comes amid US concerns that Al-Qaeda terrorists are developing explosives which could be smuggled onto planes.

Belgium will comply with the US request, said Van Daele. “Increased security checks will be introduced at Brussels Airport over the next few days. Checks will be particularly rigorous on electronic devices such as mobile phones and smartphones.” Every attempt will be made by the airport to limit the inconvenience to passengers, added Van Daele.