BA says 10,000 bags are missing

Around 10,000 bags checked in by British Airways passengers have gone astray during the travel disruption over the last week, the airline said.

A BA spokesman said the problem affected people returning to the UK as well as those flying overseas.

Yesterday, airlines renewed their attack on the airport operator BAA after the Government eased anti-terror procedures at airports.

The carriers had already expressed their unhappiness with BAA's instruction for Heathrow airlines to cut flights to ease congestion. Today, 46 flights BA flights from Heathrow and Gatwick are cancelled.

Yesterday, when the Government said small bags would be allowed to be taken on flights again, BAA said the hand baggage ban would stay in place at Heathrow airport until 4.30am today.