Probe finds traces of radiation on BA aircraft

The investigation into the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko spread to 33,000 British Airways passengers last night.

Experts found "low levels of radioactive traces" on two aircraft at Heathrow airport and were preparing to examine a third in Moscow, the airline said. Mr. Litvinenko, an ex-KGB man and a fierce critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, died last week of radiation poisoning.

The alert involves 221 flights within Europe, affecting an estimated 33,000 passengers and 3,000 staff.

A BA spokesman said the planes were being examined because "individuals involved in the Litvinenko case" had travelled on them. BA directed passengers to a list of affected flights on its website, ba.com, and set up telephone helplines. Concerned passengers were advised to contact NHS Direct or their own doctor. The Home Office had earlier announced that tests were being carried out on three aircraft. A spokesman said: "This is to assess if there is any risk to public health."

British Airways said three of its short-haul 767s had either been examined or were due to be examined for contamination in connection with the case. A statement from the airline said: "BA has been advised that three of its Boeing 767 short-haul aircraft have been identified by the UK Government as part of the investigation into the death of Alexander Litvinenko.

"The airline was contacted last night by the Government. It has taken the three B767s out of service to enable forensic examination to be carried out." The initial results of the forensic tests, which was confirmed late this afternoon, has shown very low traces of a radioactive substance onboard two of the three aircraft.

"British Airways understands that from advice it has been given, the risk to public health is low." BA chief executive Willie Walsh told Channel 4 News: "The aircraft involved have been withdrawn from service and will remain out of service until we're satisfied that all necessary steps have been taken.

"The advice that we have is that the risk to public health is very, very low."

- Guardian