New airport security measures welcomed

UK airline Flybe has welcomed the government's announcement that it will be implementing new security measures at major airports.

In a speech to the House of Commons yesterday, prime minister Gordon Brown confirmed that new measures will be put in place at UK airports, including a higher number of passenger searches and more baggage screening.

Concerns have been expressed that this could lead to further delays and disruption at travel hubs but Flybe said that the government was right to take a strict approach to the issue.

Mr Brown confirmed in his speech that the government will be working with airport operators in the new year to facilitate the removal of the 'one bag per passenger' rule, which was also welcomed by Flybe.

Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of the airline, said: "Flybe compliments the prime minister for paying such strict attention to the nation's security.

"We welcome the progressive removal of hand baggage restrictions as a clear signal that aviation is more than capable of managing its own complex security affairs. The regions of the UK rely on aviation and those passengers know how seriously their airports and airlines take this issue."