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Brussels clears backlog as freighters return to normal, but still no bellyhold
AIR freighter services have returned to normal at Brussels Airport after last week's Islamic State bombing though passenger services remain suspended, which cuts out bellyhold cargo volume.
Cargo sources told Lloyd's Loading List that air freight operations went back to normal faster than expected after the explosions in the passenger terminal.
"Cargo operations were possible again as of Thursday afternoon, and that evening we already handled our first flights," said Brussels Airport cargo marketing chief Steven Polmans.
"Most carriers returned to their normal schedule in the past days, so for full cargo we are pretty much back to normal by now," he said.
In addition to the general cargo airlines, all-cargo flights operated by DHL at the airport also restarted last week and are back to normal operations.
But with no passenger flights, the absence of bellyhold capacity is a big factor, which has resulted in many diversions to other European airports.
"Hopefully, passenger flights will start again later this week," said Mr Polmans. "We do see more trucking of cargo to other airports in our area, so backlogs are not really an issue. But volumes are showing a dip and this will continue in coming weeks."
Cargo sources told Lloyd's Loading List that air freight operations went back to normal faster than expected after the explosions in the passenger terminal.
"Cargo operations were possible again as of Thursday afternoon, and that evening we already handled our first flights," said Brussels Airport cargo marketing chief Steven Polmans.
"Most carriers returned to their normal schedule in the past days, so for full cargo we are pretty much back to normal by now," he said.
In addition to the general cargo airlines, all-cargo flights operated by DHL at the airport also restarted last week and are back to normal operations.
But with no passenger flights, the absence of bellyhold capacity is a big factor, which has resulted in many diversions to other European airports.
"Hopefully, passenger flights will start again later this week," said Mr Polmans. "We do see more trucking of cargo to other airports in our area, so backlogs are not really an issue. But volumes are showing a dip and this will continue in coming weeks."
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