Brussels explosions: Travel alert as Heathrow, Gatwick and Eurostar services cancelled after attacks

UK airports are on high security following explosions in Brussels, Belgium on 22 March. Zaventem International Airport and was rocked by two blasts at 8am, following which an explosion was also reported at Maalbeek Metro Station.

All air and rail traffic to Brussels has been suspended following the blasts, which has killed at least 23 people. Airports in the UK are operating on maximum security in the aftermath of the incidents in Brussels, with flights to and from Brussels and the UK cancelled.

Eurostar

Eurostar announced that no trains are running to or from Brussels Midi. Customers intending to travel to Brussels have been urged to postpone their tickets and not to come to the station.

A spokesperson told IBTimes UK that they "already operate on 100% security" and therefore there was no need for an increase in security.

Eurostar confirmed that those who had a booking to travel to Brussels today would be able to postpone their ticket free-of-charge. Meanwhile, Eurostar trains en route to Brussels are stopping at Lille.

Heathrow Airport

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport told IBTimes UK: "In light of events in Brussels airport, we are working with the police at Heathrow who are providing a high visibility presence. We take the safety and security of our passengers and colleagues very seriously."

Passengers who had planned to travel to Brussels are being urged to check with their airline about the status of their flight. However, travel to the country is not expected to resume anytime soon.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport has also responded to the incident in Brussels in order to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. A spokesperson for the airport told IBTimes UK: "As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels, we have increased our security presence and patrols around the airport."

MegaBus

Coach services are still be running between the UK and Brussels in the aftermath of the attack. However, coaches from Belgium are departing from temporary stops at Ruisbroek gas station.

The coach service appeared to informing customers via their Twitter page that refunds are available for those who were intending to travel to Brussels on the day of the attack.

Travel alert

The UK Foreign Office updated their travel alert for British nationals in Belgium shortly after the explosions at Zaventum International Airport. Belgium has placed the country at a level 3 threat, which means a "possible or real threat".

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: "We are liaising with the local authorities and stand by to help any British nationals who may have been affected by the incident at Brussels airport."

At least 11 people were killed during the twin explosions at Zaventum airport. Shortly after the airport blasts, an explosion was reported Maalbeek metro station, shutting down the city's metro system.

An agent from the Scoiete desTransports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles (STIB) told IBTimes UK: "We're closing, it's a crisis situation here."

Increased security for London transport

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "As a precaution forces across the UK have increased policing presence at key locations, including transport hubs, to protect the public and provide reassurance."