Belgium's airspace crisis and US tragedy underscore aviation risks
Belgian airports faced considerable difficulties following an air traffic control system failure on Thursday, January 30. The authorities at Brussels Airport announced that, consequently, the country's airspace had been completely closed.
The issues began around 2 PM Greenwich Time, when the Skeyes air traffic management system ceased to function correctly. Planes flying at altitudes of up to 7,500 metres were diverted to other countries.
Due to a technical problem in air traffic control, there is currently no flight movement in Belgium. We do not yet know how long this will last — stated in the official communication from Brussels Airport published on platform X
A tragic night in American aviation
This is yet another concerning incident related to aviation occurring that day. In the night from Wednesday to Thursday, there was a plane crash in the United States. An American Airlines plane collided with a military UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, then fell into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Airport in Arlington.
On board the plane were 64 people, including 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter was carrying three soldiers.
Unfortunately, according to preliminary information, no one survived the crash. Rescuers recovered 28 victims from the wreckage, including one soldier. Among the flight's passengers were athletes returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Aviation under pressure
The air traffic control system failure in Belgium and the tragic accident in the US highlight how sensitive and critical the mechanisms ensuring safety in air travel are.
Aviation authorities and specialists are working to restore normal airspace operations in Belgium as swiftly as possible, however, passengers should anticipate delays and changes in flight schedules.
