Aer Lingus is scaling back operations and planning to job cuts

"This could involve the use of strengthened partitions and cockpit doors.

"On a recent flight I noticed the crew door had been left open".

Sir Gilbert made his comments as airline industry executive met for a conference in Dublin.

The airline chiefs had hoped to focus on new routes - but the dominant theme was security and talk of a business that was in turmoil after the attacks in the United States.

Airlines in crisis

Many of the world's airlines are in crisis.

Manhattan has provided a focus but the underlying problems had been there long before then

Alan Winn, Flight International

Several, including Continental and Virgin Atlantic, have announced significant staff cuts.

But according to Alan Winn of Flight International magazine the airline industry was in difficulties before the terrorist attacks on the United States.

"Manhattan has provided a focus but the underlying problems had been there long before then," he said.

Aer Lingus job cuts

Irish airline Aer Lingus announced that it is to cut its operations by 25% and will let go over 600 temporary staff.

Trade Union leaders fear that 1,700 full time jobs at the airline which as a current workforce of 7,000 could also be at risk.

Some aircraft will also be mothballed on the transatlantic and short haul routes.

In a statement, Aer Lingus said plans had already existed to cut back on services in response to the worldwide economic slowdown but the position had been "greatly worsened" by last week's terrorist attacks.

The low cost airline Ryanair said its booking were down last week by 10% but have returned to normal levels.

"Ryanair would be very concerned if in the aftermath of last weeks terrorist strikes a number of loss making European flag carriers were to receive further state aid."