'Delay woes over' as airport expects record numbers

Security improvements will ensure 2.5m Birmingham Airport passengers get to their holiday destinations on time this summer, bosses have pledged.

The airport is expecting to its busiest period in its history with passenger numbers expected to rise by 10% compared with last year, as families across the Midlands head overseas over the long summer holiday.

It comes two years after passengers faced missed flights and delays because of technical problems with security. There were also large queues outside as building works were carried out in the new security area.

Chris Wilson, head of the airport's terminal and capacity planning, said staff had been preparing for record numbers.

"Security is in a significantly better position than it was a few years ago, and the majority of our customers are waiting less than 20 minutes to get through," he explained.

"We are preparing for another busy summer holiday getaway with many Midlands passengers jetting off to stunning holiday destinations all around the world."

Since the height of the delays, a new "simpler and streamlined" security search area has been built.

The building works had resulted in some delays for passengers during busy periods.

Popular destinations include Dublin, Palma and Alicante, while Belfast is expected to be the busiest domestic route, Wilson said.

He also issued a reminder to passengers that after recent changes to security rules, bottles of liquids of up to two litres are now permitted in hand luggage.

Wilson also said laptops, tablets and other electronic devices can remain inside bags during security screening, although lithium batteries must still be carried in cabin baggage.

"There's no need to use those clear bags, no need to take [liquids] out of your bags. Just keep them inside your hand luggage," he said.

The airport said it had invested in expanding its immigration and baggage reclaim facilities, alongside new food and retail outlets and an upgraded lounge.

"Two and a half million passengers will travel through the airport over the six weeks of the summer holidays.

"That's a 10% increase year on year," Wilson said.

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