The US Department of Homeland Security has raised the threat level of a terrorist attack to “Orange” resulting in all passengers boarding flights to the US from Bermuda International Airport going through extra security checks and being banned from taking any liquids onboard as hand luggage.

Drinks, perfume bottles, gels, toothpaste, lotions and bottle of liquor are not allowed to go onto planes as carry-on luggage. The move follows a major alert in the UK on Thursday regarding an apparent plot to cause explosions on planes flying between the UK and the USA.

All passengers have been told to arrive at the airport at least two-and-a-half hours before their scheduled flight departure time.

No flights to or from Bermuda have, as yet, been cancelled, although the British Airways flight from London Gatwick Airport is expected to arrive later than normal on Thursday evening because of security events at British airports.

Sallie Singleton, British Airways' spokesperson in Bermuda said this afternoon that passengers boarding the flight to Gatwick tonight will be allowed to take hand luggage "providing London is their final destination".

She added: "Any passenger who is transferring to another flight will not be permitted to carry hand luggage."

Passengers arriving at Bermuda Airport today were being told by staff to place all liquid materials they were carrying into their main hold luggage.

There was minimum fuss as travellers complied with the request, although some spoke of sadness at not being able to buy bottles of Bermuda Rum or perfume from the duty free shop to take with them on their journey.

Airport general manager Jim Howes said only flights going to the US are affected by the new restrictions - not those from Bermuda to Canada or the UK.

He said: “No liquids may be carried by passengers onboard flights to the US. This ban includes gels, beverages, toothpaste, lotions and liquor.

”Only prescription drugs and baby formulas will be permitted.“

Mr. Howes admitted he does not know how long these conditions will last. ”I have no idea how long. It's up to the US authorities. This is an ongoing situation and until their satisfied that the threat level has alleviated it its likely to continue.“

Even though these conditions are likely to cause delays, Mr. Howes said passengers are co-operating.

"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.“