LONG WAIT ATCROWN POINT

THE CROWN Point International Airport was placed on high alert yesterday following reports of a terrorist plot being uncovered in the United Kingdom.
An emergency meeting was held among Airports Authority officers yesterday morning to discuss extra precautionary methods to be adopted since three London-based airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Excel Airline and British Airways, were scheduled to arrive between 3 pm and 5 pm.
Passengers travelling to London were subjected to long waits as detailed security checks were carried out on their luggage. People were also searched. Detailed checks were also conducted on domestic passengers. Lists of items that were considered hazardous, including liquids and gels, were posted at check-in counters and passengers were prohibited from even carrying their cell phones on board. A senior Airports Authority official told Newsday the airlines had requested eightened surveillance while American-based Extra Airline had put systems in place to ensure hat its passengers were safe. The official was however unable to disclose
exactly what those systems were. Crown Point’s check-in area was filled with passengers just arriving from London and others waiting to board.
One concerned passenger, Evelyn Mwamba, told Newsday she had qualms about going to ondon after learning about the plot. “Being up in the air and not knowing what is going to happen, whether you’ll get blown away by terrorists. I am panicked to go to that border, just as the other assengers I am sure, especially after September 11,” Mwamba said. Attempts to speak to British Airways officials were unsucessful. Newsday learnt that and check-ins were being done manually, as the electronic system had broken down.
Newsday was told the flight had departed from London a bit late and would be arriving behind chedule which would result in it leaving Crown Point half an hour later than it’s 6.25 pm departure ime. Virgin Atlantic was due to depart at 8.30 pm instead of 7.30 pm. Excel Airways departed Crown Point after 5 pm.