Security alert: Heathrow closed to incoming flights

Heathrow, Britain's busiest airport, has been closed to incoming flights following the security alert issued this morning.

Passengers with plans to fly today have been advised to stay at home if possible, as "severe disruptions" at all Heathrow's terminals – and at airports across the country – are causing long delays.

Around 20 flights from Ireland to the UK have been cancelled, with Irish national carrier Aer Lingus confirming the cancellation of ten flights and low-cost airline Ryanair believed to have called off or delayed more than a dozen.

A raft of other airlines including Alitalia, Lufthansa and Air France have also been forced to cancel flights because of the "critical" security alert.

Passengers who do travel today will not be able to take their hand luggage with them into the cabin, but rather check it in, along with other items such as mobile phones.

Very few items will be permitted to remain with passengers after the check-in desk, with handbags, books, contact lens solution and spectacle cases on the no-go list. Travellers with babies must have their baby milk tested.

However, a spokesman for Heathrow Airport noted that passengers would be able to buy duty-free items from air-side shops and take them with them onto the plane.

The delays, which are affecting all British airports, could continue for several days.

Low-cost airline Flybe has suspended its baggage charges in the wake of the security situation.

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