Security stepped up at NI airports

Northern Ireland travellers are expected to face delays on all flights into and out of local airports as a result of the foiled terrorist attack at a UK airport, earlier today.

All flights at the George Best Belfast City Airport have been delayed, and passengers are asked to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure.

Belfast International Airport has advised passengers to check in at least two hours earlier than normal, and Derry City Airport has warned passengers that check-in on all flights will close one hour before departure.

Travellers will also not be allowed to take hand luggage onto planes.

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.

Security at all airports throughout the UK was stepped up earlier today 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.

(EF/GB)