'Fewer delays' as alert remains

'Fewer delays' as alert remains

Passenger flights in Scotland were starting to return to normal following the nation's high-security alert, according to airport bosses. About 50 flights were cancelled on Friday, with others delayed for up to two hours. However, Glasgow Airport re-opened its doors to the public and all eight of Scotland's transatlantic flights left with shorter delays than on Thursday. The security clampdown was expected to remain in place for the next few days. A spokesman for BAA Scotland urged passengers to allow extra time to check in and pass through strict security searches. "Very limited" essential items only were being allowed as hand luggage. These items - including passports and wallets - must be carried on board in transparent plastic bags. Everything else must be put in hold luggage and checked in. Following the terror alert on Thursday, 80 flights leaving Scotland were cancelled, with scores more delayed as the new restrictions hit. On Friday, Easyjet cancelled all its Scottish services between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. A spokesman said: "We apologise to those passengers on these affected flights and very much hope to be able to operate all other flights to the scheduled timetable." "Passengers can expect delays of up to an hour on some flights, but the majority of flights are operating normally BAA spokesman British Airways cancelled 30% of its short-haul and domestic services to and from Heathrow, affecting travellers across Europe. BMI said its regional domestic services from Aberdeen and Glasgow had been operating as normal. All of the airports have warned passengers flying over the weekend to check with their airlines and allow much more time for their journeys. BAA Scotland, which operates Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, said extra staff had been laid on to help travellers negotiate the additional security measures. A BAA spokesman said: "Passengers can expect delays of up to an hour on some flights, but the majority of flights are operating normally. "We ask anyone intending to fly today and over the weekend to arrive at the airport prepared. "This means arriving with no hand luggage and bringing those items allowed into the cabin in a clear plastic bag." Prestwick reported the cancellation of three flights on Friday, which were Ryanair flights to Stansted and Shannon. Two flights were cancelled at Inverness Airport and there were delays on the British Airways service to Gatwick. Kirkwall and Sumburgh both ran as normal and a spokesman for Dundee City Council said: "Flights are operating at Dundee Airport with services running about an hour late." Train operator GNER said it was running three extra services from Edinburgh to London King's Cross on Sunday at 1145 BST, 1245 BST and 1545 BST. The additional security measures came after police foiled an alleged plot to blow up planes from the UK in mid-flight. Police will continue to link in with community leaders to ensure we are aware of the issues affecting them and can respond to their needs Sir Willie Rae Strathclyde chief constable It is thought the plan was to detonate explosives in liquid form smuggled on to aircraft in hand luggage. Scotland Yard has arrested 24 people. UK police said the explosions could have caused "mass murder on an unimaginable scale". Security chiefs said the group believed to be planning the attack had been under surveillance for some time. Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police has hand-delivered a message of reassurance to Asian community leaders at mosques and community centres following the security clampdown. Chief Constable Sir Willie Rae said he was issuing the statement because he was concerned that some individuals might seize upon the situation to "abuse members of ethnic communities". Sir Willie said: "Let me be clear about this. We will robustly respond to such incidents reported to the police and we will seek prosecution in all cases where there is sufficient evidence. "Police will continue to link in with community leaders to ensure we are aware of the issues affecting them and can respond to their needs." Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/4782473.stm

Published: 2006/08/11 21:01:58 GMT