New security hall to speed up airport journeys
NEW plans have been revealed for a faster security screening area at Birmingham Airport.
The city airport is promising passengers a simpler, speedier journey through the security checkpoint from June 2024.
Bosses hope the new system will help the airport to cope with an anticipated surge in passenger numbers.
Following the lifting of Covid travel restrictions in March, holidaymakers complained of long queues through security at Birmingham as the staff-cut airport struggled to recruit new workers fast enough to cope with demand.
Travellers have reported a much smoother journey through the airport in recent weeks and BHX confirmed on June 10 that it had hired the additional security officers it needed in the lead-up to the busy summer holiday period.
In its masterplan published in 2018, the airport outlined its aspiration to grow customer volumes from 13 million a year pre-pandemic, to around 18 million by 2033.
The new security investment will achieve compliance with new government
standards as well as enabling greater numbers of customers to be processed more quickly at peak times. The revamp will also enable better use of existing space including an enlarged departures area and additional retail and seating for customers.
Bosses say the expansion will help to drive economic growth in the West Midlands region.
Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: “This investment paves the way for a better customer experience and economic growth in the West Midlands.
“For these reasons, I’m excited about our next generation security system.”