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All flights to UK leave on schedule

DUBAI — All UK-bound flights yesterday departed as scheduled and faced no delays or cancellations at the Dubai International Airport (DIA), Khaleej Times has learnt.

On Thursday, airlines like British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic Airways had warned that Dubai passengers travelling to the UK may experience some delays since stricter security procedures have been implemented by the British police at all UK airports following a disrupted terrorist plot to blow up at least 10 aircraft in flight between the UK and the US.

BA said on its Web site that they expected to operate most of their flights yesterday but continuously advised passengers to "check ba.com for the latest flight information before leaving home and to allow plenty of time for their journey".

The site also mentioned that BA hoped to operate all its long-haul flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow with the exception of some flights to and from the US.

Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, noted on their Web site that "some long delays are expected, for which we apologise. We ask all passengers to arrive at the airport, at least three hours ahead of the scheduled departure time shown on your ticket or e-ticket".

Sources said that the traffic at the London Heathrow Airport, considered to be the busiest in Europe, remained sluggish yesterday morning after the extra security measures were taken.

"At Heathrow, about 70 per cent of scheduled flights were said to be operating yesterday, but travellers faced a second day of delays and disruptions as the authorities continued the extraordinary security measures imposed since Thursday. Travellers are not allowed any hand-baggage beyond a few personal items like wallets and passports. Even baby milk must be tasted in front of security officials by an accompanying passenger," an international press agency reported.

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