A Wythenshawe councillor, stranded at a Brussels airport in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks on has paid tribute to the victims.
Cllr Chris Webb, who represents Northenden, was leading a delegation to the European Parliament to meet North West MEPs in Brussels and was stranded at Charlerois airport.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families from today’s #Brussels attacks.
— Cllr Chris Webb (@CllrChrisWebb) March 22, 2016
Cllr Webb told the Wythenshawe Reporter, his flight operator, Ryanair wanted more than €6000 for a flight home after his visit to the European Parliament had been cancelled.
He said: “After over three hours of calling customer services with no luck it looks like all places are booked for tonight. However our problems are insignificant compared to the tragic loss of life today in Brussels.”
He had just boarded his plane to Brussels South Charlerois airport as news was breaking of explosions at the other main airport in the city.
Not the best news to hear of explosions in Brussels when I’ve just boarded my flight. Luckily were flying to the Charleroi airport
— Cllr Chris Webb (@CllrChrisWebb) March 22, 2016
At least 27 people are reported to have been killed in two explosions in the departure lounge of the airport and another attack on the Maelbeek metro station close to EU buildings.
Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, condemned the atrocity. He said: “We, like the rest of the world, are again in shock to hear of the attack in Brussels. Extreme violence like this resonates through the cities of the world, but we must hold on to the ideals of peace at these terrible times. Our sympathy is with the families of those affected and our solidarity with the people of Belgium.”
Brussels is currently in a state of lockdown and scheduled events at the European Parliament were cancelled.
The Wythenshawe Reporter contacted Cllr Webb who was safe and said he was organising flights to return home.
Manchester Airport has stepped up its police presence but there is no intelligence to suggest there is a heightened level of threat of attack.
In response to this morning’s events at Brussels Airport, the police presence has been increased in landside areas at Manchester Airport.
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) March 22, 2016
It is important to note that these are precautionary measures and we continue to closely monitor the situation.
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) March 22, 2016
If flying to Brussels please check your flight status with your airline.
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) March 22, 2016