Airport services 'back to normal'

Security measures have been stepped up at all airports

Airport services in the north-west of England are said to have returned to normal after the national security alert over an alleged terror plot.

Flights were running as scheduled at Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool John Lennon airports on Monday.

Passengers can now take restricted hand luggage in one medium-sized bag on to flights after the terror threat was downgraded from critical to severe.

A few restrictions remain, including a ban on all forms of liquid.

Only baby formula and prescription medicines can be taken onboard under the revised guidelines.

It would help us if passengers don't over pack hand luggage Manchester Airport spokesman

The new luggage regime was implemented at midnight by managers at Manchester Airport, a spokesman said.

He said passengers were being encouraged not to pack too much, and the limit of one piece of luggage was being strictly enforced.

"It would help us if passengers don't over pack hand luggage," said the spokesman.

"Liquids are still banned but once you're through security you can buy liquids, except passengers travelling to the US."

He said the new procedures were "running smoothly" and there were no delays or cancellations on flights.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport introduced the amended security measures immediately after they were announced.

No flights from the airport were cancelled on Monday and the worst reported delay was 15 minutes.

A spokeswoman for Blackpool Airport said the revised guidelines were being put on its website for passengers.

In terms of schedules, she said the airport was "completely back to normal".