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Post Info TOPIC: AIRCRAFT BOMBING PLOT DISRUPTED: Scotland Yard (Heathrow in chaos)
karatecatman


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AIRCRAFT BOMBING PLOT DISRUPTED: Scotland Yard (Heathrow in chaos)
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http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=112117


Aircraft bombing disrupted: Scotland Yard


August 10, 2006

London (dpa) - A major terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight has been disrupted, British police said Thursday.

"A major terrorist plot to allegedly blow up aircraft in mid-flight has been disrupted in a joint, pre-planned, intelligence-led operation by the metropolitan police anti-terrorist branch and security services," a police spokesman said.

Scotland Yard sources said officers made a number of arrests overnight after uncovering the plot that they said involved smuggling explosive devices in carry-on luggage onto aircraft, with flights from Britain and the United States being targeted.

The operation, which lasted several months, according to Scotland Yard, prompted security at British airports to be stepped up and delays were expected.

"We would like to reassure the public that this operation was carried out with public safety uppermost in our minds," a Scotland Yard statement said. "This is a major operation which inevitably will be lengthy and complex."

The Transport Department issued new security rules at airports that included a ban for the time being on carry-on luggage. Only essentials like passports and wallets are to be allowed and only when carried in transparent plastic bags, the network said.

The BBC reported it is thought the plan was to detonate explosive devices smuggled on aircraft in hand luggage, with flights from the UK to the US being targeted.

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 has been tightened and delays are expected.

Scotland Yard said in a statement: "We would like to reassure the public that this operation was carried out with public safety uppermost in our minds.

"This is a major operation which inevitably will be lengthy and complex."

The Department for Transport set out the details of the security measures at UK airports.

Transparent bags

Passengers will not be allowed to take any hand luggage on to any flights in the UK, the department said.

Only the barest essentials - including passports and wallets - will be allowed to be carried on board in transparent plastic bags.

"We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the government, will need to be in place for a limited period only," the statement said.

BBC journalist Joe Lynam encountered the increased security measures at Gatwick airport.

"I was handed a piece of paper saying that pretty much nothing could be taken on board the plane," he said.

"Everything had to be checked in and that includes mobile phones, ipods, wallets - even spectacle cases had to be checked in."




-- Edited by karatecatman at 13:17, 2006-08-10

-- Edited by karatecatman at 13:25, 2006-08-10

-- Edited by karatecatman at 16:45, 2006-08-10

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karatecatman


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RE: (Everyone's Nightmare) Aircraft bombing disrupted: Scotland Yard
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778575.stm

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karatecatman


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Expect more stringent checks.


 



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Air India is seriously considering six-layer security checks before boarding.


This will mean multiple checks uptil cabin entry.


 



-- Edited by karatecatman at 13:27, 2006-08-10

-- Edited by karatecatman at 13:31, 2006-08-10

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http://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page269.html

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Talking about the security measures, Cochin is to out in place an elaborate arrangement.


http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/10/stories/2006081023950400.htm


Security at airport to be strengthened


A Correspondent





Decision follows Union Government directive





  • `Nakas Checkpoints' at airport entry points soon
  • Zigzag barriers to check suspicious vehicles



    NEDUMBASSERY: Considering the increasing vulnerability of sensitive installations to extremist attacks, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Cochin International Airport here has geared up to restructure and enforce foolproof security arrangements to make the airport impregnable.

    A Central Government directive, which sought to streamline the security arrangements in airports across the country so as to bring about uniformity in security procedures and practices, is behind the new move, CISF Commandant K.C. Suresh Kumar said.

    `Nakas Checkpoints', meant to serve as the first layer of security, would be set up at the airport entry points shortly. A CISF sub-inspector and a head constable would man these checkpoints. Zigzag barriers would be set up to check suspicious vehicles before they reach the terminal building, Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

    A novel concept, Terminal Marshals, has been conceived, which will be implemented soon. As per this, sharpshooters in the CISF with expertise in countering extremist attacks will be deployed in civilian dress among the passengers and the public reaching the airport.

    These men armed with modern weapons, including AK 47s, is expected to give a fillip to the security cover at present being provided to the airport.

    The Quick Reaction Teams will be further strengthened, besides bringing forth an ingenious practice of "City Side Patrolling" which will ensure additional layers of security at the airport.

    Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has already been installed at vital points to capture and store visuals enabling the force to literally "keep an eye" over the movements at the airport.

    ``We have insisted for installing CCTV at the cargo centre also, which is devoid of the system,'' Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

    A "three sticker system" for ensuring safe handling of the cargo is another prominent security measure to be implemented shortly.

    Accordingly, perishable cargo will be tagged with red stickers; X-ray checked items would bear orange stickers, while cargo needing physical checks will be labelled using green stickers.

    This process will be gradually taken over by the Aviation Security Group of CISF. At present, the airport staff screens and tags the cargo.

    The existing Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines directing that the cargo manifest should have the approval of CISF before the cargo was loaded into aircrafts would be strictly implemented henceforth, Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

    Touts and anti-social elements roaming around the airport premises will have a tough time, as the CISF is determined to restrict their activities with an iron hand with the aid of CCTV.

    Those found dealing in illegal currency exchange and in possession of contrabands would be nabbed by the CISF and handed over to the police.



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    karatecatman


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    RLufthansa cancels Germany-Britain flights after terror plot uncovered
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    More news about today's terror plot:


    www.uninews.com


    Lufthansa cancels Germany-Britain flights after terror plot uncovered 
    FRANKFURT,


    Aug 10, 2006 (UNI) 


    German airline Lufthansa said it was cancelling all its flights to Britain until 1200 GMT Thursday after British police said they had foiled a plot to blow up planes between Britain and the United States.
    British Home Secretary John Reid said the plot was ‘‘very significant’’ and designed to ‘‘bring down a number of aircraft through mid-flight explosions, causing a considerable loss of life.’’
    Lufthansa was scheduled to operate a total of 56 Britain-bound flights on Thursday. 
     



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    karatecatman


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    RE: (Everyone's Nightmare) AIRCRAFT BOMBING DISRUPTED: Scotland Yard
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    www.uninews.com


    Air passengers facing major delays
    Press Association
    Thursday August 10, 2006 8:38 AM


    Passengers flying out of UK airports faced major delays in the wake of Thursday's anti-terrorism operation.


    A raft of extra security measures were introduced including a ban on hand luggage and specific restrictions on fluids.


    Police also increased security at airports across the country.


    The Department for Transport said that, with immediate effect, all cabin baggage would be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.


    Travellers are only being allowed to take a limited number of items on board by hand, in a single ideally transparent plastic carrier bag and nothing may be carried in pockets.


    All passengers were being hand searched with their footwear and all the items they are carrying being x-ray screened.


    Any liquids discovered were being removed from passengers.


    There were no changes to current hold baggage security measures.


    The DoT said: "Regrettably, significant delays at airports are inevitable.


    "Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in."


     



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    http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-08-10T070617Z_01_L1018799_RTRUKOC_0_UK-TRANSPORT-BA.xml
    Airlines ban hand luggage after bomb threat
    Thu Aug 10, 2006 8:06 AM BST
    LONDON (Reuters) 


    Airlines banned hand luggage on flights out of the United Kingdom on Thursday and warned of massive delays after police said they had disrupted a plot to blow up aircraft in mid-flight.


    All carriers, including British Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, stepped up security on news of the plot to smuggle bombs on board a flight between Britain and the United States.


    Passengers were banned from carrying any hand luggage on board flights, including mobile phones and handbags, airlines and airport authorities said.


    All liquids were banned on board except for essential medicines. Milk for babies would be allowed on board but must be tasted by the accompanying passenger, airport operator BAA said in a statement.



    "British Airways, acting on instruction from the UK Government, wishes to advise passengers that no items of hand baggage can be carried on board any aircraft departing any UK airport," the airline said in a statement.


    "The UK government has advised that this instruction will apply to all airlines operating from UK airports."


    The Department of Transport said in a statement on its Web site that security at all UK airports had been increased and additional security measures had been put in place on all flights.


    BAA, which operates three of London's biggest airports including Heathrow, said all passengers would be hand searched and their footwear and all items they carry would be X-rayed.


    It added that all passengers on flights to the United States would be subject to a secondary search at the boarding gate.   Continued...


    We are cooperating fully with the authorities," said a spokesman for United Airlines, which is one of just two U.S. airlines, along with American, that have landing rights at Heathrow.


    Carriers not flying on trans-atlantic routes were also affected. Low-cost airlines Ryanair and easyJet said significant delays should be expected.


    "Our first-wave flights are currently in the process of taking off. We did not have aircraft in the air when we heard about this first thing this morning," an easyJet spokesman said.


    Shares in BA were expected to fall about 4 percent in early trade, dealers said.



    (Additional reporting by Jason Neely)



     



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    karatecatman


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    Heathrow has been closed to incoming flights.


    Many carriers have stopped short haul flights or have rescheduled.


     



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    http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/&articleid=280331
    London flight chaos on news of terror plot


    AI call centre had no idea if what was going on when this was checked. Kept fumbling and being put on hold. (1800 227722)


    But AI at Heathrow is in a mess, like many other airlines. New check-in baggage  rules have added to the mess as many of the "liquid" type stuff has to be got rid off or repacked.


    BA is even banning spectacles cases and contact lens solutions.    


     


     



    -- Edited by karatecatman at 16:44, 2006-08-10

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    RE: AIRCRAFT BOMBING PLOT DISRUPTED: Scotland Yard (Heathrow in chaos)
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    Part of a UNI report

    Passengers were only being allowed to take a limited number of items on board by hand in a single, ideally transparent, plastic carrier bag.

    Items that could be taken on board in hand-carried bags included:


    Pocket-sized wallets and purses, plus contents


     Travel documents essential for the journey
     Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight, except in liquid form unless verified as authentic
     Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases
     Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution
     Baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle had to be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for those taking an infant on a flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags)
     Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (for example, tampons, pads, towels and wipes)
     Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
     Keys (but no electrical key fobs)


    Passengers were not allowed to carry anything in their pockets, and were being hand-searched. Footwear and all items being carried were being screened.

    Pushchairs and walking aids were also being x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs were allowed to pass through the screening point.

    All passengers boarding flights to the US and all the items they were carrying - including those acquired after the central screening point - were being subjected to secondary searches at the boarding gate.

    Any liquids discovered were being removed from passengers, but there were no changes to the usual hold baggage security measures. "Regrettably, significant delays at airports are inevitable," a Department of Transport statement said. "Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that, other than the few permitted items listed above, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.

    "These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure."

    A Heathrow airport spokesman said check-in and hand search processes were severely affected across all four terminals, "and this will continue throughout the day".

    "We would ask passengers not to come to the airport today unless absolutely necessary," the spokesman added.

    "We would ask those passengers who must travel today to consider using public transport and be prepared for long delays as a result of these measures."

    At Heathrow terminal one, queues snaked through the building and there was barely enough room for people to line up to check in. Some queues were so long that they were going out through the doors.

    A spokesman for Stansted airport, in Essex, said: "Traffic is already building up on the approach roads, and there are already delays.



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    Checking in Wallets & Cellphones if lost can lead to other issues.


    regds


    MEL



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    The idiots at AI call center would obviously have no idea as they are mentally *some place else* half the time.


    Anyone knows whats the status on AI flights leaving for the UK today? Last I heard was the they were not allowing any new flights into LHR today.


     


     



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    AI hasn't yet issued a notice.


    Nor has Jet (9W)



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    People waiting for information in a crowded terminal at HeathrowA mother feeding her baby at Stansted airport while waiting for her flight


    Scott Howell of Stansted airport handing out plastic bags


    At 8am, the queues at Heathrow were stretching back through the terminals as people waited to be checked in and approach security. (Ashley Highfield/BBC)


    And with the security alert focusing on liquids, mothers were told that they would be required to taste baby milk before it would be allowed on to a flight.


    In the hours after the security alert emerged, the Civil Aviation Authority began handing out clear bags for the limited hand luggage still being allowed. (Phil Coomes/BBC)


     http://news.bbc.co.uk



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    Praful Patel says India is anyway on alert since the Mumbai train blasts.


    AI/IA may inroduce additional pre-boarding checks.



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    Frankfurt says it will now accept diverted flights.


    Heathrow seems to be closed for inbound short haul flights.



    -- Edited by karatecatman at 18:35, 2006-08-10

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    Many angry passengers complaining bitterly about the airline call centres (some of those based here in India) not having any idea about the delays. BBC had a few of these. Tony Blair is also getting it as he is supposed to be hoildaying in the Caribbean.

    -- Edited by karatecatman at 18:50, 2006-08-10

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    malik


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    karatecatman wrote:


    Praful Patel says India is anyway on alert since the Mumbai train blasts.


    AI/IA may inroduce additional pre-boarding checks.




     


    I wonder what Praful Patel means. DEL departure was at its usual semi-awake self. At 1:30pm in the afternoon.


    Does high alert mean that more security staff sit on more chairs?



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