New UK terror warning: Britain's airports 'vulnerable' to Brussels-style attack

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned British airports could be vulnerable to Brussels-style terrorist attacks.

GUARD: Armed police at Heathrow Airport after the Brussels attacks

Experts have called for new security measures at airports – such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports – as millions of Brits prepare to jet off on holidays.

More than 10 people were killed and scores seriously injured after three ISIS suicide bombers were able to walk into Zaventem airport, in the Belgian capital, with explosive devices unchallenged.

Airport security analysts have warned terror cells are likely to repeat the same tactics – and British holidaymakers could be vulnerable to attack.

Safety specialists have assured tourists flying itself is safe – despite a worrying number of airline disasters over the past year.

Germanwings flight 9525 crashed into mountains, killing all 150 people on board, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is still missing after disappearing on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by Russian-backed separatists over Ukraine andISIS blew up Russian airline Metrojet Flight 9268 over Egypt.

An Egyptian managed to hijack a plane and took it to Cyprus last week.

But the security experts warn the real danger to holidaymakers is before they even get to check-in.

Aviation expert Matthew Finn, managing director of consultancy firm Augmentiq, said: "The events in Brussels have served to remind us of the public area is vulnerable and there is more work to maximise airport security.

"Airports internationally have that vulnerability and struggle to cope with the challenge."

Defence and aviation consultant Paul Edwards, managing director of Strategic Effect, said: "Attacks against airports aren't new but the terrorists' MO in Brussels was new to Europe.

"They defeated security because they didn't go through security.

"Terrorist groups have a habit of repeating successful methods.

"The security of check-in areas needs to be improved and needs to be extended to include entry to terminals."

Mr Edwards called on British airports to at least check people have a passport and plane ticket when they attempt to enter terminal buildings.

He also advocated luggage and body scans at the entrance.

Zaventem airport has introduced such measures when it reopened yesterday.

Mr Finn warned this could result in a crowd of as many as 500 people collecting outside an airport – a significant target for any terrorist.

He called for more police officers and sniffer dogs to hunt for potential suicide bombers.

The British Government has already ruled out introducing new security checks at airport entrances.