DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, asked Britain on Sunday to revise "heavy-handed" airport security measures which it said were bringing Britain's major airports close to collapse.

The Dublin-based group cancelled 20 percent of flights from its main London Stansted base over the weekend as airport managers tightened security after British police thwarted what they said was a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners.

Ryanair's call was part of a growing row between carriers and the British Airports Authority over how to handle tougher security, which includes body searches and a ban on most hand luggage.

British Airways cancelled 30 percent of its flights from London's Heathrow airport on Sunday.

"Ryanair supports all sensible and effective security measures which protect the safety of the travelling public and the UK's air transport industry," Ryanair said in a statement.