Belgian transport minister resigns over airport security cover-up accusations after Brussels attack

An EU report published before the Brussels attacks said security measures at Belgium's airports were flawed

Jacqueline Galant denied knowledge of the report (VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Belgium's transport minister has resigned after accusations emerged that she knew of an EU report criticising security at Brussels Airport before last month's terror attacks.

Jacqueline Galant resigned after a secret EU report revealed security measures at the nation's airports were flawed, citing serious deficiencies in the way safety checks are managed. Ms Galant said she had no knowledge of the report.

The confidential EU document from 2015 was made public by two Belgian opposition parties, who demanded she step down.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said, following talks with Ms Galant, "The minister presented her resignation to the King and the King accepted it." No immediate replacement has been named.

Mr Michel had earlier defended Ms Galant, saying her office had not been aware of the critical report.

On Thursday, Laurent Ledoux, a chief official in Belgium's federal transport administration resigned. He criticised Ms Galant for turning down requests from civil servants for more funds and personnel to monitor airport security standards.

Isis claimed responsibility for the 22 March attacks in Brussels, which killed 32 victims, of which 16 were killed by bombs detonated in Brussels Airport's departure lounge.