Airlines angry that London hand luggage ban remains

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — Several airlines have expressed frustration with the operator of London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports for delays in lifting security restrictions, despite an easing of Britain's terror alert.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways and smaller carrier bmi criticized BAA's plans Monday to wait until about dawn Tuesday to lift the ban on passengers boarding with small cases or bags at the country's two busiest airports.

"We are obviously rather frustrated by this," Virgin's director of communications Paul Charles said.

Draconian security measures have led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, particularly at Heathrow and Gatwick, since British authorities announced Thursday they had foiled a plot to blow up US-bound passenger jets....