Airline passengers delayed after security alerts at both Heathrow and Gatwick have remained defiant about continuing to travel.

On Thursday, Gatwick's north terminal was evacuated after the discovery of a hand grenade, while on Friday part of Heathrow's terminal two was shut for 90 minutes after concerns about a suspect package proved unfounded.

It is a worry but I certainly wouldn't let it stop us travelling Matt Boreham, Gatwick passenger

Masha Geeza, 23, from Knightsbridge, London, said he had meant to be catching a plane to Frankfurt from Heathrow at 1355 GMT.

He said "They must have done this for a good reason. I'm not going to get too worked up about any delays."

At Gatwick, Matt and Alison Boreham, from Aylsham, Norfolk, were waiting at the North Terminal with their children for a flight to Tenerife.

Around 150 people were given blankets as they were forced to sleep overnight in the terminal on Thursday.

Still enthusiastic

Mr Boreham, 34, said: "It is a worry but I certainly wouldn't let it stop us travelling.

"I think it does make a difference living through the IRA.

"I do not remember a time when somebody was not trying to blow something up.

"It makes you think but because you are British it's not going to stop you doing things."

Frances Tuke, from the Association of British Travel Agents, said she was confident the travel industry would be unaffected.

She said: "I don't think it will dampen our enthusiasm for foreign travel.

"In fact, we have seen an increase in foreign visits since September 11."