Update - July 5, 2007
Flights are back to normal at all UK airports and the security alert has been downgraded but visitors should expect delays and leave extra time because private cars are still not being allowed to approach airport terminal buildings. Eight people have now been arrested in the UK and Australia. And there are signs that the manhunt phase of the investigation is now over.The Basic Facts
Visitors coming in and out of UK airports from anywhere in the world can expect travel delays as a result of the recent attack on Glasgow Airport. John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, which handles many European flights as well as New York and Toronto flights, was temporarily closed overnight as a result of a suspect car and London Heathrow Terminal 4 was evacuted on July 3 because of a suspect package.Police have linked the attempt to drive a blazing car into the main terminal at Glasgow Airport and the two failed Central London car bombs. Eight persons are in custody, two arrested at the airport and two stopped and arrested on the motorway in Cheshire. two arrested in Liverpool and two in Australia.
Flights are now operating as normal at all UK airports.
What Travelers Should Expect
Security in the UK has been downgraded to the "Serious Alert" level but travelers should continue to see an increased police presence and more stop and search operations at most main rail stations and all airports as well as major public buildings and events.If you are planning to arrive or depart from any UK airport:
- Plan on using public transportation. Private cars are not being allowed to approach terminals for drop off or pick ups. Parking facilities are available but traffic delays are substantial.
BAA, who operate most of the UK's major airports has posted this announcement for all its airports:
"Following Saturday's terrorist incident at Glasgow Airport, additional security measures are in place at all BAA airports. Dropping off and picking-up in front of the airport is severely restricted and passengers are warned that there may be significant delays in reaching the terminal itself by car."
At Birmingham International Airport, police have closed roads in from of the terminal until further notice and passengers are being advised to use short stay parking for drop off and pick up or the airports main parking facility.
Cars are not being allowed to drive up to the terminal building at Manchester Airport.
Taxi stands at Luton Airport have been moved away from the terminal buildings and cars are not being allowed to drop off or pick up passengers at the terminal.
- Contact your airline or check the Internet before leaving for the airport.
- Allow plenty of time. Security measures include police operations on roads leading to many UK airports so traffic delays could be substantial. Arriving passengers can also expect delays going through Customs & Immigration because of new passport scanners coincidentally being implemented on July 1, 2007.
- Travel light - Whether you are arriving or departing, you may have to walk some distance with your luggage before reaching transportation. Consider this when packing and, if leaving the UK, you may want to make arrangements to ship some of your belongings separately. Roger Collis, writing in the New York Times, has advice about shipping baggage. Your hotel concierge may be able to help you make arrangements or consider these baggage shipping companies:
