Brussels airport police 'expressed security concerns before terror attack'
Brussels airport police have said they had criticised the lack of security at Belgium's main transport hub well ahead of the attacks on March 22.
In an open letter to their superiors and the airport authorities, police said they had sent "strong daily signals regarding the overall security at the airport".
They complained that "there had not been any security control of passengers or luggage from the airport complex right up to the centralised body searches" area.
The letter said the lack of security was such that police fear "scouts were sent out to assess the security lapses and plan terror".
The airport police also complained that too many airport employees have criminal backgrounds.
Meanwhile, Belgian authorities are searching a wooded residential area close to the French border amid reports that the action is linked to the recent arrest of a man in Paris suspected of planning an attack.
Soldiers were seen looking for clues in an area close to Kortrijk in western Belgium.
Local media, citing federal prosecutors, said the search was connected to the arrest of Reda Kriket, who is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one imminent attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents.
Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said that Kriket is believed to have travelled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium.
At least three other people are in custody in the case in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ryanair stated today that all flights due to operate to/from Brussels Zaventem up to and including Thursday, April 7, "will continue to operate to/from Brussels Charleroi.
"Customers booked to fly from Brussels should make their way to Brussels Charleroi, arrive at least 3 hours before their flight and allow extra time for additional security checks.
"Our full Brussels Charleroi schedule is also operating and further information is available on the Ryanair.com website. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones."
