Airline passengers at Bermuda International Airport will continue to be subjected to tighter security procedures over the coming days as a result of a heightened world-wide alert following the foiling of a terrorist plot to blow up aircraft flying between the UK and the USA.

And in the midst of new security measures, which for flights to the US are only one step down from the maximum alert level, the airport yesterday dealt with a suspect package which sent a bomb disposal team racing to the airport at around 4 p.m.

A Police spokesman was unable to say whether the package was found on board a plane or in the terminal building, but it was later deemed to be harmless. However, the incident illustrated nervousness and caution that enveloped the airport as it has airports across the world.

In the UK disruption was caused yesterday after security services swung into action and arrested more than 20 suspected terrorists believed to have been planning to cause explosions on board flights travelling to the US.

London Heathrow, Europe?s busiest airport was shut down, while emergency security measures were introduced at other airports including London Gatwick, which operates the daily British Airways flight to Bermuda.

As a result of the terrorist activity, the US Department of Homeland Security issued an ?orange? level threat alert for all international airline flights to the US including those departing from Bermuda.

It meant that passengers flying to the US mainland were not permitted to take on board any items that contained liquid or fluid, including bottles of water, drinks, toothpaste, perfume, lotions and medicines.

Many passengers arriving at the Bermuda International Airport had to re-pack their main luggage at the last minute to store away the items they were prohibited from taking into the main cabin.

Travellers on the British Airways flight to London Gatwick last night were permitted to have carry-on hand luggage but only if Gatwick was their final destination, those with connecting flights were banned from having hand luggage other than a clear plastic bag to carry essentials such as passport, travel documents and money.

The same ?plastic bag-only? rule applied to passengers who boarded BA flight 2233 at Gatwick yesterday afternoon and arrived in Bermuda only half-an-hour later than scheduled despite the extra security checks in London.

Bermuda International Airport general manager James Howes said that, as of yesterday, the restrictions on hand luggage items containing liquids only applied to flights from Bermuda gong to the US but not to those heading for Canada or the UK.

He said extra local screening personal has been brought in.

?No liquids may be carried by passengers onboard flights to the US. This ban includes gels, beverages, toothpaste, lotions and liquor,? he explained.

He said these items should be put in checked baggage, adding: ?Only prescription drugs and baby formulas will be permitted.?

Mr. Howes was unsure how long the conditions would last. ?I have no idea how long. It?s up to the US authorities. This is an ongoing situation and until they are satisfied that the threat level has alleviated it its likely to continue.?

Even though the current conditions are likely to cause some delays, Mr. Howes said passengers were cooperating.

He said: ?There have been no problems ? everyone understands. This is for passenger security and it?s something we can?t compromise. We have to take it very seriously and respond appropriately to the threat that exists.?

Passengers have been recommended to turn up two and half hours before their flights? scheduled departure to allow for the additional checks.

The knock-on effect of the heightened security alert in the US was evident last night with passengers experiencing more than a two-hour delay for the departure of a USA3000 flight to Baltimore.

A statement from British Airways said the airline anticipated today being able to operate all its long-haul flights to countries other than the US, with the US flight schedule likely to be affected as a result of Thursday?s cancellations.

Disruptions to BA flights are expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours, although the airline expects to have 75 percent of all its long haul flights from London Gatwick flying today.

In a statement BA said: ?For clarity, passengers are advised that no electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, Ipods, remote controls, etc. can be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold luggage.?