In light of heightened security arrangements in place since the early hours of last Thursday morning, Salvation Army airport chaplains had provided reassurance, advice and support.

The Salvation Army chaplaincy team provided pastoral services for airport staff and travellers at a number of major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham.

Major Bryan Snell, chaplain at Birmingham International Airport, explained that some flights were being delayed by up to two hours and the chaplaincy team were being kept busy advising passengers of new restrictions on what can be taken into the aircraft cabin. They were also in a position to reassure and comfort passengers who may have been unsettled by the increased security presence.

Meanwhile, Major Janet Thompson - the Salvation Army chaplain based at London's Heathrow Airport - reported that the terminal buildings were full of delayed passengers as many flights remained cancelled or postponed. The chaplaincy team offered advice and friendly words to those affected.