Resumption of Philly-to-Brussels flights delayed

The reopening of Brussels Airport has been delayed indefinitely following last Tuesday's terrorist attack because of terminal damage and the need for additional security measures at all Belgian airports ordered by the Belgian government.

American Airlines, which operates 76 percent of the flights at Philadelphia International Airport, said Tuesday that it would route passengers through other airports in Europe until it can resume its daily flight to and from Brussels to Philadelphia. The PHL flight to Brussels had been tentatively set to begin Wednesday.

"Brussels Airport is currently analyzing the terminal infrastructure and possible scenarios for a partial recommencement of commercial flights," American said. "But it is still unknown when the airport will reopen.

"At this time, American is waiting on direction from the airport and other authorities on when we can resume service to and from Philadelphia," said the airline, which now hopes to restore service to Brussels April 7, and return service April 8. "Customers booked on canceled flights are being reaccommodated through other airports in the region" including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Brussels airport said that construction began last Thursday on temporary check-in desks where passengers can report for flights and check their luggage.

The Brussels airport authority said in a statement: "The simple fact is that a restart in the short term is not possible in the devastated infrastructure."

On Tuesday, 800 Brussels airport staff were scheduled to "test the temporary arrangement" for handling passenger flows and check-in. A fire safety inspection was also planned Tuesday, said the airport in Belgium's capital, which handles 23.5 million passengers annually.

lloyd@phillynews.com

215-854-2831

@LoydLinda