Death toll rises in Brussels blasts

Two explosions went off in the departures hall of Zaventem airport in Brussels at around 8am this morning, and a third in a city centre metro station.

Belgian authorities have confirmed one of the airport blasts was a suicide bomb attack. Latest reports say IS has claimed responsibility.

The airport was evacuated by emergency services and all flights to and from the airport have been suspended for the rest of the day.

Belgian’s Health Minister has confirmed 11 people were killed and around 90 injured in the airport explosions.

Brussels’ Mayor said 20 people were killed and around 100 were injured in the separate explosion at the Maelbeek train station, which happened during rush hour.

Eyewitness reports said one of the airport explosions was close to a Starbucks cafe and another close to the American Airlines check-in area, but American Airlines later disputed this.

American Airlines said it is taking care of its employees in Brussels and said flight 751 to Philadelphia has been cancelled.

"At this time, there are no reported injuries to our employees," it said.

Belgium has raised its terror threat to the highest level.

The blasts come just days after Salah Abdeslam, believed to be one of the organisers of the November Paris terror attacks that killed 130 people, was arrested in the city.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising anyone in Brussels to stay away from crowded places and avoid public transport.

Belgian authorities are telling travellers to stay away from Brussels.

The Belgian Crisis Centre has given the Belgian telephone number 0032 2753 7300 for concerned family and friends or 1171 for general enquiries.

British Airways said its flight BA389 departed Brussels safely this morning and it has cancelled flights BA388 and BA392 from London Heathrow.

Bmi regional said flights due to travel to Brussels today have been held or diverted to alternative destinations.

"All travellers due to travel with bmi regional to or from Brussels within the next 28 days will be able to change their booking without charge. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our customers as more information becomes available," said a spokeswoman.

Ryanair cancelled all flights to Zaventem on Tuesday but operated services to Brussels Charleroi.

It said flights due to operate to/from Brussels Zaventem on Wednesday will now operate to/from Brussels Charleroi.

"Customers booked to fly from Brussels should make their way to Brussels Charleroi and allow extra time for their journey. Our full Brussels Charleroi schedule will also operate tomorrow and further information is available on the Ryanair.com website. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones," it said.

Brussels Airlines said anyone booked to travel to and from Brussels until March 28 can get a refund or change their flight free of charge.

European flights were due to be getting back to normal today following two days of strike action by French air traffic controllers.

Gatwick Airport says it has stepped up security in light of the events in Brussels.

"As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels, there will be increased police and security patrols in and around Gatwick Airport," it said.

London Heathrow said it is working with the police who are providing a high visibility presence at the airport.

All EU institutions are at alert level ORANGE, which means all meetings on the premises and outside are cancelled and only staff with badges can enter EU buildings.

The metro station targeted is next to key European Union buildings.