Chicago aviation working with Homeland Security over Brussels attacks

Metra, Amtrak and Chicago police are deploying extra security at train stations and Midway and O'Hare airports in the wake of fatal terrorist attacks on transit hubs in Belgium Tuesday, authorities said.

There is no "intelligence, threat or nexus to Chicago concerning the Brussels incident," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

Bomb explosions at both the Brussels airport and a subway station near the European Union headquarters killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens of others. Reports indicated 20 people died in the subway station and 11 at the airport. ISIS claimed responsibility.

Guglielmi said security had been increased at Chicago's "airports, public transportation systems and other high-profile locations."

Surveillance includes specialized K-9 teams at the airports and on the Chicago Transit Authority, he said.

Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said the agency stepped up its police presence at stations and other locations.

"We are also reminding our security personnel, other employees and our passengers to be extra vigilant and observant about any suspicious activity and unattended items," Gillis said. Suspicious activity can be reported to Metra employees, police or by calling 911.

"We have strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and we all work together to provide security and gather and share intelligence," he said.

Chicago Department of Aviation spokesman Owen Kilmer said the Department of Homeland Security National Operations Center was monitoring the attacks and updating all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Amtrak officials also confirmed they had dispatched additional officers.

"We have reminded Amtrak employees to look for and report any suspicious activity and unattended items and reissued guidance pertaining to facility inspections and active shooter incidents," an official statement indicated.

In addition to calling 911, Metra passengers who want to report concerns can call (312) 322-2800, and Amtrak riders can call Amtrak police at (800) 331-0008 or text APD11 from a smartphone, or 27311 from a standard cellphone.

United Airlines operates flights between O'Hare International Airport and Brussels Zaventem International Airport a few times a week, but none were scheduled Tuesday or Wednesday. The airline canceled two Tuesday evening departures from Newark and Washington, D.C., to Brussels as well as Wednesday flights. Fees will be waived for passengers who wish to postpone or change flights to the city for travel through April 1. More information is at www.united.com.