Europe's air agency, Eurocontrol, said the problem stemmed from an electrical failure at Belgocontrol, Belgium's domestic operator.

Brussels Airport said all its take-offs and landings had been suspended until at least 14:00 local time Wednesday. About 40 other flights had been diverted to airports in neighboring countries.

"This is a nationwide problem," Brussels airport authority said in a statement.

Eurocontrol gave electrical failure at the Belgian center as the cause but gave no further details on whether backup systems were available.

ipj/jil (AP, Reuters, dpa, AFP)