South Wales Police has stepped up security at Cardiff International Airport, following new anti-terrorism measures introduced at other UK airports.

Armed police officers have been posted at Cardiff airport since the 11 September US terrorist attacks.

Anthony Hillman: 'Reassuring'

A teams of 37 officers has been briefed on the latest security issues and threat assessments at the airport, which is due to handle 3,000 Welsh rugby fans flying to Italy on Thursday.

But Chief Superintendent Neil Jellings, the head of South Wales Police's operations, said the details of the security operation remained confidential.

"We would be foolish to ignore the measures that have been put in place at Heathrow, which is only two hours up the M4 and that is why we are in a state of alert and ready to respond," said Ch Supt Jellings.

"We want to make this a safe airport for people to use.

It raises awareness and it is reassuring to have the police here, they are being proactive. Anthony Hillman, passenger

"We will be further increasing our visibility at Cardiff International Airport and its surroundings. The officers are being briefed daily in relation to threat assessments."

But he added: "There still remains no specific threat to south Wales."

Cardiff International Airport currently handles 1.5m passengers each year and is due to increase substantially in the next 12 months, with the emergence of bmibaby as a carrier.

Jon Horne, managing director at Cardiff International Airport, said the heightened security measures were in place to reassure passengers and staff.

"There is no specific threat in relation to Cardiff. Clearly, increasing the level of vigilance ensures that everyone is reminded of the situation," said Mr Horne.

Jon Horne: 'No specific threat'

Passengers heading for European destinations in the departure lounge on Wednesday were phlegmatic about the heightened security measures.

Anthony and Tamara Hillman, from Llantrisant, were heading off for a romantic Valentine's break to Alicante in Spain.

Mr Hillman said: "Today it was the same routine at check-in about scissors and sharp objects in our baggage.

'Safer in Cardiff'

"It raises awareness and it is reassuring to have the police here, they are being proactive."

Simon Fury, from Abergavenny, had just arrived back from the Republic of Ireland.

"When I flew out, I did notice going through customs there were armed officers with Heckler and Kochs.

"You have to look after the public but I feel safer in Cardiff than Heathrow."

Japanese businessman Saturo Akita, who was waiting for a flight to Amsterdam, said he was more concerned by the security measures.

"I saw the policemen had guns. I thought 'this is serious'. I think the situation is going to get worse and worse."