TOKYO — Authorities in the United Kingdom have arrested 18 and airlines there have banned carry-on luggage following a bomb plot that would have targeted U.S.-bound flights from the U.K., Reuters and The Associated Press are reporting.
“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 London police spokesman said, according to Reuters.
In an press release, British Airways cited an official advisory:
“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 UK Government has advised that this instruction will apply to all airlines operating from UK airports.”
No information has been posted to the web sites of Ryanair or bmi British Midland. An advisory on EasyJet’s site gives additional details.
“[W]ith immediate effect NO hand-baggage will be allowed on aircraft. Only certain essential items will be allowed into the cabin – provided they are contained in transparent plastic bags, which will be issued at airports. All other items are required to be packed into hold baggage and checked-in on arrival at the airport.”
British Airways specifically mentions all battery-operated devices, noting that cell phones and laptop computers are not allowed in the cabin.
Virgin Atlantic posted a list of permitted items that could be carried on board, but noting that no items may be carried in a passenger’s pockets.
There was no information released on how long the ban would last.
Update: A spokesman from United Airlines says the U.S. airline is complying with the order and has restricted passengers from carrying any bags on board flights leaving the U.K.
Other European airlines are canceling flights to the U.K. in the wake of the bomb plot, including Air France and Spain’s Iberia. Both airlines cited the lengthy delays at London Heathrow as reasons for their cancellations of flights to the airport through 10 AM GMT. (Reports from Reuters.)
The BBC reports that Heathrow has been closed to all incoming flights not already in the air at the request of airport operator BAA. Passengers at Manchester and Glasgow airports are also experiencing lengthy delays.