A sign of the times? Holidaymakers are quizzed by heavily armed police outside Manchester Airport as Britain remains on heightened terror alert

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Heavily armed police officers quizzed motorists arriving at Manchester Airport today as hundreds of thousands of passengers prepare to fly out over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Officers with armoured vehicles stopped holidaymakers and families arriving by car as they carried out routine checks on the road into the airport.

The visibly high security comes as the UK's terror threat level remains at severe, meaning security forces consider an attack to be 'highly likely'.

Just last week hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the airport after reports that a suspicious package was left outside terminal 2.

On guard: Armed police officers lined the road into Manchester Airport as they carried out routine checks on vehicles

Police presence: A motorist in a Mercedes-Benz is pulled over by officers as part of random routine checks at the airport. There is no suggestion that there was any specific reason for stopping the drivers

More than 100,000 passengers are expected to pass through Manchester Airport tomorrow, with nearly 400,000 planning to fly over the next four days. It represents a 10 per cent increase on the same period last year. 

The airport’s top five destinations this weekend are Palma, Alicante, Amsterdam, Tenerife and Dublin.

Manchester Airport has been at the centre over a number of security alerts over recent months.

In April an 18-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested by police as he arrived in the UK on suspicion of 'Syria-related' terrorism offences.  

Earlier this month holidaymakers were cleared from the check-in area inside terminal 2 amid reports of a suspicious package outside the building.    

Heavily armed: A police officer stands guard alongside an armoured vehicle, left, as another patrols the road, right

Security checks: Police officers with guns and armoured vehicles pulled over cars as they arrived at Manchester Airport. Pictured, motorists drive past the police check point

Asked about the police presence today, an airport spokesman said passengers should leave 'plenty of time' for their journeys. 

He said: 'The safety and security of all of our passengers is always of paramount importance and we suggest people leave plenty of time to complete their airport journey.

'This includes being ready for security, so having all their carry on liquids, gels and pastes in a clear plastic bag and all under 100ml. Our staff are on hand all weekend to advise and help passengers.' 

MailOnline has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.  

Previous scare: Last week hundreds of passengers were evacuated from Manchester Airport, pictured