Ryanair's Chief Executive has strongly criticised new security measures at British airports, describing them as a ‘keystone cops’ approach to aviation.
Speaking on RTÉ News, Michael O'Leary said the new restrictions would have a huge impact on the aviation industry. He was speaking as British authorities prepared to relax security restrictions at airports after the national terrorist threat level was downscaled.
From tomorrow passengers will once again be allowed to bring hand luggage on planes but the size of the baggage has been restricted.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Heathrow Airport in London said passengers would be allowed to bring one piece of small hand luggage on board.
Computer laptops and mobile telephones will also be allowed back on board. The British Airport Authority said cabin baggage must not contain drinks, liquids or cosmetic items. Extra restrictions will continue to apply to transatlantic flights.
British Home Secretary John Reid also warned the British public that terrorist attacks remained highly likely.
Speaking at a media conference this morning, Mr Reid said the decision to change the UK's national security status was taken after consultations with the intelligence services.
Speaking at the same briefing, the Transport Secretary, Douglas Alexander, said air passengers should be patient while the new travel restrictions are implemented.
The BAA said, from tomorrow, 50% of passengers at Heathrow will continue to be subject to a random body search. Currently all passengers passing through the world's busiest airport are being searched in this way.
More than 80 flights from British airports have been cancelled today, as the fallout from the security alert continues.
Detectives investigating the alleged plot to blow up passenger jets are conducting a major search at King's Wood, near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
The search is close to locations where a number of people were arrested in last week's raids.
Meanwhile, British anti-terrorist police have been given more time to question a person arrested in connection with an alleged plot to blow up at least six planes.
A London court today gave a warrant of further detention to police which allows them to question the suspect until Wednesday.
Warrants to further question 22 others were already granted at the weekend. A total of 23 people are now in custody.
Flight to New York returns
A British Airways flight to New York returned to Heathrow Airport last night after a mobile phone rang on board the craft.
British Airways says flight BA 179 returned to London as a precautionary measure.
The airline says the telephone that rang on board the flight did not appear to belong to any of the 217 passengers.
The plane was searched by police upon arrival at Heathrow.
