Two former US Navy ships contaminated with chemicals, travelling to Britain from the United States, are expected to reach the Channel tomorrow, the Coastguard said today.

The war of words has continued to rage as two contaminated ships from the US were given permission to dock in Britain.

The ban on air services between the US and Iraq has been lifted for the first time in nearly 13 years.

The US administration plans to adopt a small-scale test programme of arming commercial pilots, reversing its previous opposition to guns in the cockpit.

A man who boarded a United Airlines flight carrying nine knives, tear gas and a stun gun has not been linked to any terrorist activity.

President Bush plans to push for sweeping changes in airport security, including armed officers on flights, as the Justice Department warns that terrorists may be plotting more destruction.

The US Congress and the White House has agreed on a $15bn (£10.2bn) plan to financially bolster the airline industry.

The White House and Congress are considering a federal aid package for the airline industry to help it recover from last week’s attacks.

US Transport Secretary Norman Mineta has re-opened US airspace to commercial flights.

US Federal Aviation Authority officials are to allow air travel in America to resume at 4pm Irish time today.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered several stringent measures Wednesday to make the nation's airports and skies safer, while allowing limited air traffic to resume late in the day.

British Airways has renewed merger talks with Dutch company KLM, it has been reported.