BAR UK has become the latest critic of UK airports, claiming they were unable to cope with the extra security procedures.

The organisation, which represents 91 scheduled airlines in the UK in their dealings with the government, regulators and airport operators, said Britain's airports, and particularly Heathrow, should put contingency plans in place now for the future.

It said since the terror alert last Thursday, airlines and their passengers are particularly concerned that airport terminal layouts cannot cope with the volumes of passengers, forcing them to queue outside in all weathers.

It also claimed baggage systems cannot cope with the extra amount of hold luggage that is required and a pool of additional trained staff for search and security was not available.

BAR UK chief executive Mike Carrivick said: "A similar situation cannot, and must not, be entertained for the future. Airport security measures will be challenged again, and the airports must be capable of facing them.

"In the same way that airlines invest in their own contingency plans, at a considerable cost, so we now call on airports, BAA in particular, strengthen their plans.

"BAR UK will be pleased to contribute ideas that may help airports revise their plans. However, a special acknowledgement must be made to Manchester Airport, who engaged with the airlines in an extremely positive and productive manner."

Carrick also extended praise to Transec, the Department for Transport's Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate, for keeping BAR UK and its members informed of events on a regular basis.