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Brussels forwarders scramble after Islamic State bombing shuts airport

FORWARDERS and express firms based at Brussels Zaventem Airport are scrambling to cope with an airport shutdown in the wake of Islamic State bombing that killed 34 and injured scores more.

Kuehne + Nagel's country manager Kevin Nash told Lloyd's Loading List that several company staffers were near the explosions. but none were hurt.

"They are safe and well, which is the main thing. Brucargo is located four kilometres away from the scene of the explosions," he said.

If the shutdown is prolonged K+N is mulling re-routing options to use other airports. K+N also has an off-airport bonded warehouse nearby that is functioning normally, said Mr Nash.

But the company has had to suspend its beverage logistics operation in the Belgian capital due to the security situation in the city centre following a separate explosion this morning at one of the city's central metro stations, Maelbeek.

Fellow Swiss forwarder Panalpina said all activities at Brussels Airport had been stopped and flights cancelled.

"The Brucargo area has been closed down, meaning that Panalpina's activities will be disrupted until further notice.," said a spokesman.

Said DHL: "DHL Express and DHL Parcel have suspended delivery and pick-up services in the city centre and we have strengthened security measures at facilities."