Tighter security measures introduced at Bermuda International Airport on Thursday in response to a world-wide terrorism alert are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Travellers boarding flights to the US yesterday were not allowed to take any liquid or fluid items into the passenger cabin, and a ban on hand luggage also remained in place for passengers going to London Gatwick who have onward connecting flights from the UK airport.

An ?orange? level alert issued by the US Department of Homeland Security ? the second highest level ? remains in place for all inward bound international flights to US mainland, including those that originate from Bermuda.

Widespread news coverage of a terrorist plot to blow up international flights between the UK and the US, which was foiled by security services in London on Thursday, meant most people going to the airport yesterday were pre-warned about the extra security measures and the restrictions placed on items that could be checked in as cabin luggage.

Mike Osbourn, airport terminal manager, said: ?Passengers appear to be aware of the requirements on the whole and complied with the new arraignments regarding luggage before they arrived.

?There have been no problems today and inbound aircraft arrived on time without exception, that is a credit to the US adapting to the new requirements.?

Mr. Osbourn said the security checks operated by the airport have been more stringent, but did not result in any delayed flights.

He added that there is no indication at the present time when the additional security restrictions might be relaxed.