Belgian minister resigns for disregarding airport security report

Belgian Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant resigned on Friday following accusations that she was aware of an EU report criticising the Brussels Airport's security before the deadly attacks took place.

"Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant has offered her resignation to the king, which was accepted," Prime Minister Charles Michel said after a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from the royal palace.

Michel had earlier said the minister's office was not aware of the EU report sent a year ago.

Belgian public broadcaster RTBF reported that Galant's office indeed knew about the report.

The EU report which was made public by two Belgian opposition parties, wrote about shortcomings on the airport's security and the way safety checks are conducted.

On 22 March, two scuicide bombers detonated suitcase bombs in the departure lounge of Brussels Airport and at a metro station in Maalbeek, killing 32 people.