GNER carried 24,000 additional passengers in the past ten days - a seven per cent rise for the time of year. The east coast train operator ran 16 extra services between Edinburgh and London between August 10 and 20.

GNER said its additional services were to allow passengers to complete their journeys without being stranded or having to face lengthy airport delays.

The rise in rail passengers comes as security restrictions on airport hand luggage are set to be partially lifted within weeks. Department of Transport sources said the change was likely to be justified on the grounds that the threat had reduced or that airport security staff were now better able to cope.

GNER runs 38 services between Edinburgh and London on weekdays, about a third of the rail company's total services. In recent weeks it has seen these services increase by up to four a day.