British Airways plans to resume flights to Venezuela's capital, Caracas, today after suspending them amid a security alert.

The airline had stopped services to the South American city after a man allegedly tried to smuggle a live grenade into Gatwick on a flight last week.

Hasil Mohammed Rahaham-Alan was stopped by Customs officers on February 13 after arriving from Caracas on a BA Boeing 777.

He was later charged with possession of an article for the purpose of committing a terrorist act.

Following his arrest, BA suspended all scheduled flights to Caracas and announced a security review.

Last night, the airline confirmed fresh security procedures were in place.

Private firm AWA, previously responsible for secondary baggage screening at the Venezuelan airport, will now oversee all baggage screening.

BA spokesman Steve Double said: "The secondary baggage screening is over and above what is usually required but we feel is it necessary and prudent to continue with the process."

New screening machinery, considered more technologically advanced than the previous equipment, has been installed at the airport.

Rahaham-Alan was remanded in custody after appearing at Bow Street magistrates' court on February 17. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on February 24.