Kelly to outline air luggage changes

Air passengers at UK airports may soon be able to carry more items of luggage onto flights following restrictions imposed in August 2006.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly is expected to outline the changes after a working group was created to establish examine the one-bag rule.

The Financial Times has reported that Ms Kelly will announce a two-bag policy from next year, which may come as welcome news for the UK aviation industry which has been embarrassed by the restrictions.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways (BA), said the one-bag policy is "damaging the UK's reputation around the world from a business perspective".

Ms Kelly is expected to announce the changes at an Airport Operators Association conference, although the Department for Transport has refused to comment.

Earlier this month, BA banned certain items of sporting equipment such as kayaks and surfboards from its flights, claiming they were too big.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• British Airways strikes inflight entertainment deal
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• British Airways fliers to "breeze" through JFK
• Winter season underway in Austria
• Ski slopes opening in Alberta
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport