Airport delays after bomb plot is foiled

There are major delays at UK airports after a terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid flight between the UK and the United States was thwarted by police.

The police have confirmed that they arrested a number of people overnight in London following the incident, and that they believe their aim was to was to detonate explosives smuggled on board as hand luggage.

As a result all incoming flights to Heathrow, the busiest international airport in the world, have been cancelled and security measures at all British airports have been increased.

The Department of Transport has banned passengers from taking hand luggage onto any flights leaving from the UK, except for essential documents such as passports and wallets.

These items must be carried in transparent plastic bags.

In a statement the transport secretary Douglas Alexander has advised passengers: "Earlier this morning all UK airports and all airlines operating into and out of the United Kingdom were asked to implement a heightened level of security.

"This step has been taken to ensure maximum security on all flights so people can go ahead with their travel arrangements.

"However, ensuring maximum security unfortunately will involve immediate and severe disruption for passengers with significant delays likely at all UK airports.

"What these changes mean in practice is that all hand baggage will now have to be checked in with only a small number of essential items allowed through search control."

In the USA, the Homeland Security Department has issued a statement saying it is banning liquids from all flights, including items such as hair gel, beverages and lotions.

It added that it had no evidence of a plot in the USA, but had nevertheless taken the precautions.

There have been delays and cancellations to flights across the UK. Read the full story

Information for passengers

• No hand luggage except for travel documents to be taken onboard.
  
• Exceptions will be in place for those travelling with infants and for prescription medicines.
  
• Passengers wanting detailed information on these new arrangements for their individual flight should contact the airline they are using.
  
• Extra security arrangements will be in place for flights to the United States of America.
  
• Additionally advice on what will be allowed as hand luggage is also available on the Home Office, Department for Transport, and Foreign Office websites.
  
• Further updates will be given throughout the day