Brussels Airport in Belgium has reopened its departures lounge, allowing passengers to check in 40 days after the bombings on 22 March.

The reopening was celebrated with a short ceremony, which was attended by national representatives, as well as airport and emergency service employees.

Brussels Airport Company CEO Arnaud Feist said: "This is a very important day for Brussels Airport.

"We are again seeing the familiar image of passengers in our departures hall, a big step towards the return to normal activities at the airport which will give a boost to the economy of the entire nation.

"That we are returning to an almost normal situation in so little time, is important for the confidence of our business, investors and foreign tourists."

"Brussels Airport not only is the second most important centre of economic growth with 20,000 jobs, we also connect Belgium with the rest of the world and are often regarded worldwide as a symbol of our country.

"That we are returning to an almost normal situation in so little time, is important for the confidence of our business, investors and foreign tourists."

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About 400 passengers travelling to Lisbon, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca checked in at the departures hall during the opening ceremony.

Though the damages caused by the attacks have not yet been completely repaired, the airport aims to make the hall fully operational before the start of summer.

A total of 111 check-in desks have opened in the departures hall, along with 36 desks in temporary constructions.

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