Big changes as airport security hall upgraded
BIRMINGHAM Airport passengers face imminent changes to how they queue, transit to airside and carry liquids as work on its new security hall nears completion.
BHX’S “state-of-the-art” security hall upgrade, a project costing £60 million after ‘inflationary costs’ drove up the re-build by millions of pounds, will see the terminal transformed by June.
The security hall upgrade is essential to get the airport in line with regulations by June 2024, which will end the need to remove liquids and laptops during pre-flight security checks.
The current rules requiring liquids to be taken through security in 100ml or under and in a clear plastic bag were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was scuppered.
CT X-ray technology in the new scanners will provide 3D images so items can be left inside bags and liquids up to two litres will be allowed through.
The new security checkpoint will feature a specific type of x-ray scanner, which will allow passengers to leave their liquids and electronics in their hand luggage.
Recently, some Birmingham Airport passengers have reported facing large bottlenecks and long wait times to get through security as builders press on with the terminal rebuild.
Last week the Department for Transport said some of the bigger airports undergoing the upgrade, including London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, are not expected to have the technology in place in time for the June 2024 deadline. Birmingham Airport confirmed that its new security system is already being rolled out and that it is due to meet the deadline. The airport said that high-tech security screening technology will be in place and that holidaymakers can expect it to go live on time.
Birmingham will scrap the 100ml liquid rule from June 1, which will be just in time for the school holidays. Nick Barton, CEO, commenting on the next generation security project said: “From the 1 June our customers will start to see the benefits of the new security systems as we roll them out which will result in a speedier, simpler pre-flight security screening process for our customers.
“In the meantime, up until that date, our existing security restrictions remain in place. It is timely to remind all customers that they still need to remove electricals during the search process and only carry liquids, pastes and gels, up to 100ml, in 20 x 20cm in resealable bags in their hand luggage.” News of brand new scanners and faster moving queues will be welcomed by holidaymakers ahead of the peak summer rush, which can see a whopping 45,000 passengers go through the gates in one day. Stephen Barker, development and construction director at Birmingham Airport previously said that new security lanes will make transiting through BHX much more efficient.