IN MARCH 2016, the unthinkable happened at Brussels Airport when two separate bombs went off in a coordinated terrorist attack. The airport remained closed for an unprecedented 13 days following the deadly hit, and long-haul flights had to be redirected to other European hub airports. Reopening was delayed several times as a result of extensive damage to the building’s infrastructure.

Nearly one year later the airport is back, safer and better than ever. On a late July trip to Brussels Airport, I sat down with officials from Brussels Airlines to discuss airline and airport operations post-attack. The airline and airport operate closely together.

Prior to the March 2016 attack, BRU had been the fastest-growing airport in Europe, reporting double-digit growth from January to March of that year. Following the events, the airport and airline saw a 60 percent decrease in traffic in April and May; however, June 2016 saw a 4 percent increase, and growth has remained steady since. The airport returned to full operational capacity mid-June. Business travel saw a quicker bounce back than did leisure travel.

Security screening © BRUSSELS AIRPORT COMPANY

Even before the attacks, Brussels Airport boasted the latest in state-of-the-art airport screening technology with 24 security positions — the largest and fastest in Europe. Screeners sit in a different room while new scanners pinpoint exactly where on a passenger security agents should look should something on the scan look askew. Also working to create a targeted, more efficient screening process, scanning machines move bags to different sections based on whether they are cleared or need to be checked, preventing disruptions or delays for passengers cleared to continue. Those bags that require a further check are moved to a separate area. The goal of the security system at Brussels Airport is to create a fast lane for all passengers.

Following the attacks, Brussels Airport met with representatives from Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel to implement additional safety measures. Today no cars are allowed to pull up to the entrance of the airport; passengers must be dropped off about 260 feet from the entrance. As they enter the airport, they pass through an ad hoc security screening outside. A road check as vehicles approach the airport uses plate number recognition.

Given its geographic position in Europe, Brussels Airport is an ideal connecting airport for passengers, and its efficient systems and services allow travelers to park and reach their gate at a maximum of 45 minutes. Whatever perception issues may remain, Brussels Airport and Brussels Airlines continue to look forward to the future while maintaining passenger safety and security as a No. 1 priority.

What does the Brussels Airport of the future look like? The airport’s Strategic Vision 2040 is a long-term development plan for not only the facility but also the country. Under the plan, airport jobs will reach 120,000 by 2040; more import/export opportunities will arise; Belgium will continue to play a leading role on the international stage; and an open dialogue with stakeholders will develop the airport with respect for the environment and the surrounding communities.