Brussels Airport says this week will see the return of many major foreign bellyhold carriers – nearly three weeks after the terrorist attack on 22 March.

The gateway says since last week or this week, many airlines are operating from Brussels again with flights optimally spread over the available 18 hours a day, and an average of 225 flight can take-off and 225 flights can land every day.

Brussels Airport says the large majority of the carriers intend to start operating from the Belgian gateway again this week.

Cargo flights resumed a few days after the terrorist attack, that left more than 20 dead.

Brussels Airport Company chief executive officer, Arnaud Feist says: “The return to Brussels Airport of a large number of major international airlines is an important signal. It shows that they continue to put their trust in Brussels Airport.

“As airport operator, we will do everything in our power to provide them with additional capacity, in consultation with the competent authorities. However, in doing so, we have to take account of the initial flight schedule to allow airlines to organise their flights as efficiently as possible.”