Following the deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels, express and forwarding companies based at Zaventem airport, as well as those who make use of the transit hub, have put in to motion a number of contingency plans. The explosions occurred at 8am resulting in multiple deaths. The airport was closed on March 22 with passengers and staff being advised to avoid the area completely.
Flights and cargo operations at the airport have been suspended with a time for the resumption of operations as yet unknown. This has had an inevitable impact on the movement of freight across the region, particularly considering Zaventem’s role within European networks.
Logistics providers operating at the airport have made statements explaining the contingency plans for shipments scheduled to transit Brussels. Kuehne + Nagel stated, “…We will route incoming & outgoing cargo via our other airfreight gateways and intensify the use of our own Kuehne + Nagel Hubs in Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Additionally, we have activated two of our Contract Logistics sites as cross docking platform for air freight imports and exports where required. Kuehne + Nagel Mechelen is set up for general cargo and Kuehne + Nagel Geel for temperature controlled cargo.”
Although the airport has announced passenger flights will be suspended for a second day there has been no significant announcement made regarding cargo flights. Earlier reports suggested cargo flights were due to resume at some point on 23rd March.
More information will be made published on Logistics Briefing as it becomes available.
Source: Transport Intelligence
