Travel advice: Foreign Affairs eases Brussels restrictions

The Department of Foreign Affairs has lifted its warning to delay non-essential travel to Brussels but is still advising citizens who go there to “exercise extreme caution” and follow the instructions of local authorities.

At least 31 people were killed and around 300 were injured when multiple explosions occurred in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.

The department said there was a heightened security presence on the streets, but Irish citizens planning travel to Brussels have been advised to “remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution”.

“In light of the rapidly-evolving situation in Belgium following the terrorist attacks, we are advising citizens to exercise extreme caution in relation to travel to and within Belgium,” it said.

“The Belgian authorities have escalated their domestic terrorism alert to level four, its highest level. Further information can be found on the Belgian Crisis Centre website and Twitter feed. The Belgian Crisis Centre has also published answers to the most frequently asked questions on their website.”

Public transport in Brussels is still not fully operational, and travellers should expect delays and cancellations.

Individuals travelling to other European cities or the United States should also expect delays. Heathrow Airport in London said enhanced security measures will mean checking in could take longer than passengers have been used to.

Brussels Airport (Zaventem) remains closed and is not expected to reopen for some time. A number of flights have been cancelled.

Brussels Airport has set up an emergency contact number +322 7537300 for anyone wishing to check on individuals who were at the airport on Tuesday.

Passengers using the other main airport at Charleroi should note that they may experience substantial delays at the airport.

Ryanair said all flights scheduled to operate to/from Brussels Zaventem from Thursday March 24th to Tuesday March 29th inclusive will now operate to/from Brussels Charleroi.

Individuals booked to fly with the airline from Brussels Zaventem between those dates should make their way to Brussels Charleroi, and are asked to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled flight time and to allow extra time for additional security checks. The original Brussels Zaventem boarding pass is permitted.

Aer Lingus has cancelled all flights to and from Brussels for Thursday and Friday.

Individuals who have bookings on flights to or from Brussels on any date from March 24th to April 4th may change their flight to another date for free online or request a full refund. Alternatively they can contact the airline’s call centre on (01) 886 8989.

“We are reviewing the situation with the relevant authorities on an on-going basis and aim to provide updates, of any schedule changes, to our guests in a timely manner, allowing sufficient notice to change your travel plans,” added the airline.