UK security alert hits fragrance and liquor sales

Tina Milton

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Fragrance and liquor sales to passengers travelling to the US have been stopped at some UK airports following a major terrorist plot. Ramifications for Airport Retail 'very serious' says TRF's Goddard

Industry sources at UK airports have indicated that passengers travelling to the US are no longer allowed to take liquid onboard their flights following a major security alert, which has stopped liquor and fragrances sales to travellers heading to North America at some duty-free stores.

Alpha Airports Group group commercial director David King confirmed that fragrances and liquor are not being sold to passengers flying to the US. He said: "For any other destinations sales are as normal at our stores but purchases must be put in clear plastic bags which not a problem for us as Alpha bags are clear anyway. I understand that some airports have had their landside stores closed while others are trading as normal."

He added: "I think at the moment it's a problem of communication and passengers are now being searched by hand to ensure 100% security." Alpha's store portfolio includes outlets at Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.

Heightened security has been imposed at UK airports after a terrorist plot was foiled by anti-terrorist police. Home secretary John Reid said a major terrorist plot to bring down a number of aircraft mid-flight has been detected. He said there would be "major disruption" at airports across the country.

Passengers will be unable to take any hand luggage on flights as a precautionary measure, creating long queues at check-in. Delays and late cancellation of flights are also expected. Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France and KLM have all currently cancelled flights to the UK and British Airways has cancelled all short-haul flights until 3pm today, while Heathrow has now closed to all incoming flights. Brussels airport has cancelled all flights to the UK and Geneva Airport has cancelled all flights to the UK until at least 3pm.

Speaking to RavenFox.com, the UK Travel Retail Forum's Barry Goddard said: "I share everyone's concern at what has happened. We have to hope that the precautions the authorities have taken will prevent anything happening. It could be a few or even weeks before things settle down. The long-term ramifications for our business could be very, very serious."