Airport security stepped up

[Adriana]

We have just been informed that in the light of the present crisis airport security has been tightened and passengers are no longer being allowed to carry hand luggage.

We advise anyone travelling to pack appropriately to minimise inconvenience and delays at check in.

Passengers are also being subjected to more thorough security scrutiny and we have had reports of shoes being checked.

For anyone wanting further information we refer them to which is keeping updated briefings for travellers, or to contact their airline. At the moment, UK, Irish and American airports are affected.

The following is from the Greek ERT website:

All scheduled flights of the Olympic Airways destined to the United Kingdom are cancelled due to the emergency measures taken by the British government following the arrest of foreign nationals, who as per the police were planning bombings in aircrafts. As per the announcements of the companies, 9 OA flights, Easy Jet and British Airways scheduled for Thursday from Eleftherios Venizelos to London were postponed until 15:00, when the British authorities will decide if they will allow the landing of aircrafts in London airports. There will be no arrivals in Eleftherios Venizelos from London at that time.

Olympic Airways in an announcement urged passengers to not arrive in the airport so to avoid the hassle. Passangers are requested to contact +301 210 9666666 or the company�s offices so to find out if and when their flights will be performed.

Greek Minister of Tourism Fani Palli-Petralia stated, "Greece has earned the title of a safe country and the successful hosting of the Olympic Games has proved so."

As per the BBC, the rise in security levels to the highest degree does not mean that the police believe that this is an imminent terrorist attack. The raise of security levels is conducted in the case that there are small-scale threats not detected by the police.

[Symi Visitor Office]

We will be keeping this section updated as and when we receive information. At present the previous bulletin still applies.

The BBC is keeping its website updated on the subject and now gives a detailed list of exactly how travellers should pack, what is permitted on the plane etc.

The present alert has a 'knock on' effect on world wide scheduled flights to and from Europe and North America. This is the peak time for people from the southern hemisphere to visit Europe and many of the long haul carriers use Heathrow as their hub so travellers from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia are affected.

If your itinerary is disrupted and you need assistance with rescheduling your arrival on Symi, please email the Symi Visitor office direct and we will do what we can to help you.

[Allan]

The news today from a UK perspective is that things are beginning to return to normal but with delays and a number of cancellations.

The UK Department for Transport has an up to date statement about the increased security arrangements

I doubt that security will be as tight as this on return flights from Greece but to be on the safe side it's probably wise to squeeze all but the most essential items into the hold baggage. Better to do this at the packing stage than on the floor at Rhodes airport!