Manchester Airport was on full security alert today. Patrols of armed police were stepped up as all flights to the United States and Canada were cancelled indefinitely.

Passengers faced longer queues at security checks after Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered airports across Britain to raise vigilance to ``the highest level''.

All private flights from Manchester were axed unless they had special permission _ and airport chiefs told to cancel any commercial jets they considered a risk.

Ringway bosses, including new managing director John Spooner, held an emergency meeting last night to co-ordinate their approach.

An airport spokeswoman said today: ``The highest vigilance will be maintained. Any additional measures which are required will be put in place.''

Passengers were told to keep hand luggage to a minimum as security teams and police stepped up a ring of steel at Ringway.

A spokesman said: ``Security is always a top priority, but it has been increased.

``We are asking people to keep essentials like medication, passports and tickets in hand luggage and put everything else in their suitcase.

``People can expect longer waits at security points in the current circumstances.''

He added: ``We join the international aviation community in the deep shock felt at this tragedy.''

Airport police Inspector Ian Otto added: ``We are adopting a high visibility approach.''

Thousands of north west travellers due to fly across the Atlantic faced the cancellation of their holidays and business trips.

More were also trapped in America and Canada as jets continued to be grounded.

Fifteen flights to America, Canada, Cuba and the Dominican Republic were expected to be cancelled today.

Scores of passengers were expected to arrive at Ringway to be told their trips had been axed.

No other services were affected.

Reports from America suggested airspace restrictions could be lifted tonight _ giving travellers some hope. But it could be days before timetables are back to normal.

An airport spokesman added: ``Nothing has been confirmed, but there are rumours that restrictions may be lifted.''

Operators offering services to America from Manchester include British Airways, bmicorrect British Midland, Delta, Continental, American Airlines, Airtours, Virgin, US Airways and Pakistan International Airlines.

A spokeswoman for bmi, which operates services to Chicago and Washington, said: ``Our hands are tied until aircraft are allowed to fly into American airspace again.''

Passengers were urged to contact travel agents or airlines for more information.

The plane hijacks also sent shockwaves among cabin crew, pilots and shocked Ringway-based staff from American Airlines, whose passenger flights were seized by the suicide teams.

One stewardess said: ``It really is the worst nightmare. No one could ever have imagined something like this happening."

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