Birmingham Airport has launched a new liquid screening area from today, Wednesday 19 June, in a bid to help passengers get through security ‘faster’. “Check stations” were launched this morning in an attempt to stop the “chaos” that is created in the morning rush.
BHX confirmed that the expanded temporary structure will provide multiple “liquid inspection stations” to ensure customers’ cabin baggage complies with new government regulations. The airport has also hired 100 “liquidity consultants” to deal with the lack of a sudden change to the UK’s liquidity rule.
Over the past few weeks, there has been “chaos” with hundreds of passengers queuing to get into the terminal due to construction work, particularly during the early morning rush hour.
READ MORE: Birmingham Airport confirms fate of escalators as construction work nears end
The airport confirmed that staff had been called in as they tried to stop queues at peak times. Staff will be stationed in front of all scanners to ensure passengers only carry 100ml containers of liquid.
There have been fewer reports of breaches so far this week, but passenger concerns remain about what to do with liquids and how long to leave before a flight.
This morning, June 19, one BHX traveler said he went from his car to departure through security in one hour and ten minutes.
Birmingham Airport CEO Nick Barton took BirminghamLive around the airport on June 11 to update us on work at the terminal, where we asked him key questions about issues such as escalators, lifts and other passenger concerns amid scenes of long, snaking queues.
Mr Barton revealed that key features such as escalators had been removed for “health and safety”. Boss Under Fire went into detail on how they combat the chaos caused by queues, you can read more about it here.
Traveling via BHX today? Email – naomi.desouza@reachplc.com
This is a live blog, updates below.
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11:28Naomi DeSouza
The software is being checked
As we reported, a last-minute UK government order requires passengers to carry only liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml in hand luggage. BHX anticipated that the 2-liter rule would come into play by June 1, easing nearly 20 years of liquid restrictions and bringing new state-of-the-art airport kit into play. But government transport chiefs have announced they need to revalidate all software on every machine (including at other UK airports such as London City, which has already introduced a 2-litre limit).
11:06 a.mNaomi DeSouza
An England fan talks about his experience this morning
England fan Chris McBride spoke this morning to share his experience. Chris said: “He flew from Birmingham to Frankfurt (for the England game) this morning.
“The flight was at 5.55am and I arrived at 2.30am. The queue was right at the lifts and in total it took me 30 minutes from queuing to sitting in Wetherspoons with a beer and breakfast!”
“Lots of staff to help and manage and the new scanners have worked really well.”
10:47 a.mA key event
Every single fluid rule set
Birmingham Airport warns non-compliant liquids will be ‘removed and destroyed’
- Liquids, pastes and gels only containers up to 100 ml can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger must be in checked luggage.
- No liquids above this size.
- Anything over 100ml will be removed and destroyed.
- Here is no limit on the number of containers under 100 ml which can be worn.
- Containers that hold more than 100 mlsuch as insulated bottles are allowed but must be completely empty.
- No put your liquids, pastes and gels in plastic bags (please leave them loose in your hand luggage).
- Do not take them out of your carry-on when you are in the security screening area.
- Leave all electronics in carry-on luggage during a security check.
- When going through security please make sure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins and tissues, etc. Watches can be kept.
10:32 a.mA key event
A new liquid control area has been launched
Birmingham Airport has launched a new liquid screening area in a bid to help passengers get through security “quicker” from today, Wednesday 19 June. The enlarged temporary structure will provide several “liquid check stations” to ensure customers’ cabin baggage complies with new Government regulations introduced this month. Everything you need to know here.
09:54Naomi DeSouza
The Wednesday morning traveler reveals the 50-minute experience
Another happy traveler took to X this morning to share his experience. @BitsandBots_ wrote at 5:19am: “We joined the security line at 4am and it took 50 minutes to get to departures.”
09:51Naomi DeSouza
What happened to the escalators?
It’s a question BirminghamLive readers repeatedly ask Birmingham Airport; will the escalators return? The terminal’s escalators were removed last year amid ongoing work to complete a “state-of-the-art” security hall. We have the answer.
09:48Naomi DeSouza
How long should I leave before my flight?
Most airlines have notified BHX flyers to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
This was echoed by BHX boss Nick Barton, who said: “Check with your airline – they all give very good up-to-date information. It’s usually three hours, but it depends on the airline. Take that advice.”
09:36Naomi DeSouza
The BHX boss gives an explanation
After weeks of airport travel chaos, we managed to track down and speak with BHX CEO Nick Barton. Watch our video interview below.
08:50Naomi DeSouza
Last Wednesday was also a quieter day
Last Wednesday we reported how passengers seemed to have an easier morning after days of long queues outside clearing security. Wednesday is a quieter day to fly out, but you would also hope that the plan put in place by BHX to stop long snaking queues and passenger frustration is now paying off.
08:22Naomi DeSouza
A BirminghamLive reporter flew in and out of Birmingham Airport on consecutive days
Our reporter Nick Horner flew in and out of Birmingham Airport on consecutive days last week and shared his experiences. Nick was about to watch England for their first Euro 2024 match against Serbia and found himself in the queues he reports on so often. More about his experience here.
08:15Naomi DeSouza
New fluid markings have been placed on the BHX
08:14Naomi DeSouza
‘Lots of staff’
BHX’s decision to recruit a wave of liquid employees appears to be paying off. @NigghatF23757 headed to X just after 5am and said: “Birmingham airport in and through in 15 mins, lots of staff. Got there 4 hours ago in anticipation. Arrived at 0945. 1pm flight.”
08:05Naomi DeSouza
Jet2 passengers arrive earlier than usual
John Wright @juanfelipe1 shared his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter, at 6:35 a.m. today, June 19.
07:50Naomi DeSouza
Where are the new employees based?
Airport chief executive Nick Barton told BirminghamLive that BHX had hired specialist “liquid consultants” to monitor every single entrance to the airport and help passengers prepare their bags for the security hall.
07:49Naomi DeSouza
Good morning
Good morning. Birmingham Airport has hired 100 “liquidity consultants” to deal with the lack of a sudden change to the UK’s liquidity rule. Over the past few weeks, there has been “chaos” with hundreds of passengers queuing to get into the terminal due to construction work, particularly during the early morning rush hour.