News: UK remains on high alert
Flights > News > # 874 (11/08/2006)
The UK remains on a critical level of alert against terrorism after police foiled a major terrorist plot to blow up aircraft flying from the UK to the US. Air passengers at UK airports are expected to face widespread disruption again today (August 11) following the introduction of new anti-terrorism measures including a ban on hand luggage.
The plot was described as an attempt to commit "mass murder on an unimaginable scale" by blowing up passenger jets using liquid-based based explosive devices smuggled in hand luggage on aircraft leaving UK airports for the US. If successful, the plot could have been even more devastating than the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington DC. Home Secretary John Reid said it would have caused death on an "unprecedented scale". Anti-terror officers raided properties in London, High Wycombe and Birmingham on Wednesday night, making arresting 24 arrests.
Heathrow has been the worst affected airport - British Airways cancelled more than 360 flights there by mid-afternoon on Thursday - although airport operator BAA said it would be open as usual today. Elsewhere, Stansted airport and Newcastle airport cancelled a large number of flights with more delays expected today. Flights from most other airports, including Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester are said to be running as usual, although some delays were forecast on transatlantic flights. It could take days before all UK flights are back on schedule.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said the government hoped the current hand baggage restriction would be in place only for a "limited time". The measures were "proportionate to the threat now" and would continue "only as long as the situation demands", she added. But industry experts have hinted that many of the restrictions could become permanent. Under the new guidelines, travellers must check in most items of baggage - apart from wallets and purses, identity and travel documents, prescription medicines, spectacles and sunglasses and keys. Those travelling with children will be allowed items essential for caring for them on the flight.
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Last night, I enjoyed a night of comedy at the Glee Club in Birmingham. One of the performers asked the crowd if anyone was scared of Al Qaeda and their ilk. No one wants to be singled out in a comedy audience, but the overwhelming response from the crowd was a resounding “no”.
Even though yesterday’s events were a great fillip for our much maligned security services, such alerts still give terrorist sympathisers a sense of accomplishment, due to the huge amount of disruption and commercial losses that they cause. The obvious response is to go out and book as many flights as possible (although I don’t think the environmental lobby would be too pleased to hear me say that!), to show that we will not give in to the fundamentalist fringe. “You would say that, you earn your living off flights” I hear you mutter. True, and I can understand the trepidation people might have with flying at the moment, but it is worth noting that the threat from terrorism really is negligible compared to everyday activities we take for granted like driving or crossing the road.
The new security measures look like they might be here to stay for at least a few weeks, and they will no doubt be a major hassle, especially for those passengers who usually only take hand luggage. An extra half-hour at the baggage carousel won’t make much difference on a long-haul flight, but could have a huge effect on domestic and European shuttle flights. Eurostar must already be reaping the benefits.
