NI airports still face minor disruption

Northern Ireland passengers are being advised to continue to arrive early for their flights as airports attempt to clear the backlog from yesterday's disruption due to the foiling of a terrorist attack at a UK airport.

Security at all airports throughout the UK was stepped up yesterday after police arrested a number of people following an anti-terrorist operation.

MI5 has raised the UK threat level to critical - the highest possible, meaning that a terrorist attack is imminent.

Today, most flights leaving from Belfast are leaving on time, however passengers may face some minor delays, and are advised to check the airline website or hotline before leaving home.

Easyjet flights were due to return to normal as from today, however, flights from Belfast International into London airports this afternoon are looking doubtful.

At George Best Belfast City Airport, all flights are expected to depart on time, except a British Airways flight to and from Birmingham, and an Air Berlin service to London Stansted, which were both cancelled.

At Derry City Airport all services are reported as normal, except for the cancellation of a Ryanair flight to Stansted this morning.

At all three airports the message to travellers was the same, while everything was being done to keep services on time, people should be prepared for delays and should arrive early to get through the tightened security measures.

A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport, said: "Effectively, business is back to normal and we have the normal level of activity that you would expect at this time of year on a Friday."

"However, our strong advice to people booked to fly this morning and the rest of today is to continue to check with their airline website or hotline before leaving home.

"This ensures they have the latest information about their flight and do not turn up unnecessarily at the airport."

All airports have reminded passengers of the continuing no hand luggage regulations, and urged people to check-in early to get through the increased security measures.

All baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single, preferably transparent, plastic carrier bag, containing only; Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents, for example money, credit cards, identity cards; Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets); Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (for example diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic; Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution; Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.

For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags); Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (for example tampons, pads, towel and wipes); Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs; Keys (but no electrical key fobs).

Nothing may be carried in pockets.

(EF)