HRD: Diamond Shipments Can Be Resumed at Brussels Airport

Antwerp's High Diamond Council (HRD) announced today that diamonds and other valuables can again be shipped from Zaventem, Brussels airport. Last week, the government, airport authorities and airlines reached an agreement on additional security measures. By September 1, all destinations will again be handled.

After a brutal assault on a money transport cargo last April, airlines requested a security audit at the airport. Meanwhile, 12 European airlines refused to transport valuables through Belgium's national airport, forcing the diamond industry to look for alternatives via other regional airports, both in Belgium and abroad.

In July, the audit concluded that, although the airport met all international security standards, taking into account the high volume of valuables handled at Brussels airport, additional measures were advisable.

The Belgian government and the airport authorities, have now reached a conclusive agreement on 47 additional security measures. There will be more police patrols around the airport and the entry points to the airport will be restricted. This year alone the airport will invest 1.5 million Euro in additional security.

The Association of European Airlines (AEA), satisfied with the measures, has asked its members to lift the embargo. By September 1, valuables will again be handled to all former destinations.

Peter Meeus, HRD's managing director said he was relieved by the decision. "We have been urging all parties from the first day on to come to a fast and structural solution. The negotiations have been tough but the result is to everyone's satisfaction. The Antwerp diamantaires are assured again of good transportation facilities for their goods."