BA flight takes off after delay

British Airways flight BA223 bound for Washington finally took off from London’s Heathrow airport today after security fears led to its cancellation two days in a row.

The 747 aircraft, carrying 225 passengers, left more than three hours late amid intense security.

Police presence was high with armed officers, sniffer dogs and Land Rovers parked outside Terminal Four.

A BA spokeswoman said additional checks were made at the departure gate and the flight took-off at 6.30pm. It had been timetabled to depart at 3.05pm.

“The aircraft has now departed. It was delayed due to a request from the security authorities in the US to supply them with information about the flight,” the spokeswoman said.