Airports affected by terror alert

Airports affected by terror alert

Hundreds of passengers at Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland airports have faced cancelled flights and long delays amid a UK-wide high security alert.

An alleged plot to blow up planes from the UK in mid-flight was foiled.

It is thought the plan was to detonate explosive devices smuggled on aircraft in hand luggage. Scotland Yard has arrested 21 people.

Passengers at Aberdeen facing problems included legendary Formula One racing commentator Murray Walker.

Stringent security measures have been put in place at Aberdeen as well as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Prestwick.

It's better safe than sorry, but I have a problem with those who are making this happen
Murray Walker

Flights in and out of Orkney and Shetland have also been delayed because of increased security.

Police officers were on duty at the main entrance to Aberdeen Airport but people were allowed in and out.

There were long queues as passengers waited to check in and shops were closed.

Mr Walker told the BBC Scotland news website: "I was supposed to be flying to Heathrow and am hoping to transfer to Birmingham, I have got to get to Silverstone.

"It's better safe than sorry, but I have a problem with those who are making this happen."

'Absolutely understand'

Oil worker Gregor Tait, 33, was due to fly to Heathrow from Aberdeen with his wife and two young children Amber, two, and Daniel, four. His brother was also in the party bound for a wedding in Essex but the flight was cancelled.

They decided to drive rather than wait for later but possibly delayed or cancelled flights.

Mr Tait said: "It's a hassle, but I absolutely understand. I would rather this than the alternative.

"There was a possibility of later flights but we are going to drive."

Pregnant Sarah Lewin and husband Matthew were facing delays as they waited to fly to Gatwick with their three young children Josie, two, Becky, six, and eight-year-old Thomas.

Sarah, 33, said: "We absolutely understand.

"We can take nappies and wipes on board which is good."

An Aberdeen Airport spokesperson said there had been 18 cancellations, with delays on other flights being kept to a minimum wherever possible.

During the night, police arrested a number of people in London after a counter-terrorist operation they said had lasted several months.

Security at all airports in the UK is now at "critical", its highest level. It is the first time it has been raised to this state.

Only the barest essentials - including passports and wallets - have been allowed as hand luggage, in transparent plastic bags. Everything else must be put in hold luggage and checked in.

BBC