Brussels attacks: Airport 'ready to partially reopen'

The Brussels airport hit by deadly bomb attacks says it is ready to partially reopen but flights will not restart until Friday evening at the earliest.

Test have been carried out at Zaventem under tight security

Zaventem airport has been closed since 22 March when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the departure hall. In a statement, the airport's operators said the departures area would only be operating at 20% of normal capacity.

The departure area was badly damaged in the bombing

The attacks on the airport and another suicide bomb on the Brussels Metro killed 32 people and injured hundreds. So-called Islamic State (IS) has said it was behind the bombings.

Police are still searching for the suspect on the right

Thursday's announcement follows days of tests for a temporary check-in system at Zaventem.

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"Brussels Airport Company has received the go-ahead from the fire services and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority for a partial restart of passenger flights at the airport," the airport's statement said.

"The airport is thus technically ready for a restart of passenger flights in the temporary infrastructure foreseen for check-in.

"However, the authorities have yet to take a formal decision on the restart date. Until Friday evening no passenger flights will take place at Brussels Airport."

It said the temporary system could receive 800 departing passengers per hour, far fewer than normal.