Snowfall has led to a far calmer rush hour than usual on Thursday morning. There are problems on public transport in Brussels and at Brussels Airport some flights have been cancelled.
Snow triggers traffic disruption in Brussels, on the roads and at Zaventem
Colin Clapson
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Updated:
In Brussels, there are problems in several places due to snow. Public transport is battling delays.
Brussels local transport company MIVB reports bus services are especially being delayed in Ukkel, Watermaal-Bosvoorde and Oudergem. Tram traffic is little affected for the time being, the public transport company says.
While on the whole the morning rush hour is quieter than normal, there are nevertheless considerable delays in two regions notes VRT traffic expert Hajo Beeckman.
Problems persist in the Kortrijk-Ieper region of West Flanders and on smaller roads between Tienen, Leuven and Brussels in Flemish Brabant and the capital.
Train traffic is currently not affected by the snow rail company NMBS said this morning.
As always in freezing weather, the NMBS has taken extra measures. The heating in carriages is switched on before the first journey, so that the trains are not cold when they set out. In addition, overhead cables also remain energised throughout the day to avoid condensation.
Railtrackoperator Infrabel has also prepared for the snow. Special ‘ice trains’ are used to run over certain routes to clear overhead cables of ice, frost and black ice.
At Brussels Airport, a number of flights are delayed this morning due to the snow. Several centimetres of snow have fallen in Zaventem.
Delays of 15 minutes to an hour are possible and a number of flights have also been cancelled.
Delays are mainly due to planes that need to be properly de-iced. In addition, the runways have to be cleared of snow using snowplows.
Passengers are advised to get to the airport on time and keep an eye on the Brussels Airport website .