Armed police are on duty at South West airports

Flights from Plymouth were on time on Friday, but passengers using Newquay Airport were warned about some delays. The Newquay to Stansted was cancelled.

Some flights at Exeter Airport were about half-an-hour late. Armed police greeted travellers and only certain items were allowed in hand luggage.

Tourism bosses say the alerts may mean more visitors to the South West.

At airports, wallets, passports, medication, keys without electric fobs and essential sanitary products are the only items that can be carried on board aircraft in clear plastic bags. Everything else has to be checked in.

While the security alert remains in place excess baggage charges are being waived.

Exeter Airport spokesman Stephen Ayres said that services were back to normal, but people should allow at least half an hour extra in case of delays.

He said: "It appears flights this morning went without any hassle at all.

"Passengers seem well informed and knew what to expect.

"We are coping very well with the new procedures and people are very understanding."

Extra security remains in place at Bristol International Airport.

Only aeroplane passengers are being allowed into the terminal and passengers are advised to check the airport's website before travelling.

Travel 'hassle'

Twenty-four people are being questioned by police investigating a suspected plot to blow up passenger planes.

Meanwhile, senior tourism figures in Devon and Cornwall are beginning to speculate that the high security alert at Britain's airports could benefit the South West economy if it goes on for long.

Doubts about flying could discourage holidaymakers from going abroad, they say.

Robin Baker, of South West Tourism, said: "We are seeing increasing evidence of people that are getting somewhat fed up with the hassle and inconvenience of travel.