Birmingham Airport blasts ‘we’re NOT Alton Towers’ as it shuts down bid to ease 2hr queues outside after security U-turn
BIRMINGHAM Airport has refused to adopt a queue feature Alton Towers has in a bid to tackle two-hour security lines.
Crowds of holidaymakers have been mounting and wrapping around the entrance to the West Midlands airport just weeks after 100ml hand luggage rules were scrapped.
Jet-setters have continuously been warned to turn up early for their flights with queues snaking around the car park by 5am most days.
And as passengers get antsy the closer it gets to peak season and the summer holidays, they’ve suggested BHX bosses add “queue markers”.
Much like theme parks have, the signs would demonstrate how long you have left to wait at certain points throughout the queues.
However, the suggestion was slammed by airport execs who said Birmingham is “somewhat different to Alton Towers“.
BHX said: “The environment of an airport and the security sensitivities/requirements in place are somewhat different to the likes of Alton Towers.
“Getting on a plane and the time it takes to ensure everyone will be kept safe, is different to getting on a rollercoaster and should, rightly take longer.
“The real-time tacker was an estimate of queuing at the time. When the building works commenced this facility was removed.
“We will review availability of this function, once building works have been completed.”
Departure screens at the airport previously showed a mass of flights warning “final call” as people make a run to catch their plane.
Flyers have had countless stressful mornings not knowing whether they would get through security on time.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson previously pinned the issues on flyers who arrived with more than 100ml of liquids in their bags.
They said: “Our new security area was designed, and resourced, to accommodate the increase to two litres being carried in cabin baggage, this currently cannot be operated with the temporary restriction.
“In order to have full compliance to this new directive we have further amended our operating process.
“We now have ‘liquid check stations’ at all entrances to the terminal where colleagues are directly assisting passengers to ensure liquids containers over 100ml are removed.
Why are there long queues at Birmingham Airport?
BIRMINGHAM Airport has recently opened a new £60million 'state-of-the-art' security hall.
The hall is part of a wider £300million upgrade to the airport which is expecting to handle 18million flyers a year by 2033.
The upgrade will eventually allow passengers to carry liquids of up to two litres in cabin baggage.
But regulatory approval is yet to be granted for the increased liquid limits at Birmingham.
A spokesperson has previously said that work continues on the hall.
“Although our new security hall is operational, we still have on-going building works on-site and are awaiting regulatory approval that will allow liquids of up to two litres to be taken through in cabin baggage.
“These building works will continue for the foreseeable future as we redevelop the airport, which is part of our planned, and previously announced, £300m investment.
“Until further notice, passengers are advised that they can only carry liquids up to 100ml, albeit it can stay in hand luggage and no longer needs to be in a plastic bag, when departing from Birmingham Airport.”
“With these additional checks we have seen a large proportion of customers still arriving with liquids over 100ml in their bags and these have to be regrettably removed and disposed of.
“Containers that can carry more than a 100ml are permitted but, need to be completely empty.
“Our security flow rate has been continuous today, helped by these extra checks and we welcome and appreciate the co-operation of our passengers in eliminating oversize liquids from their cabin baggage.
“The outdoor queues seen today are from ‘liquid check stations’.
“Since our new security area opened in May, we have seen continuous non-compliant bags coming through security causing unnecessary queues and delays to customers’ journeys.
“This new step in the process is to remove the issue before customers proceed.
“It is now, more than ever, imperative that customers abide by the 100ml rule.
“This additional layer of control risks slowing down the security process without the support of passengers.
“For customers who are less able to stand for durations we advise they book the assisted travel service.
“However, if a customer is queueing during our peak periods and feels they need assistance then our customer ambassadors are in the area and can assist them without losing their place in the line.”
The 100ml hand luggage rule at UK airports explained
GOING through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it's important to be aware of strict hand luggage rules before you travel. Most UK airports will be implementing the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must be less than 100ml
- Liquids include items like gels, aerosols, moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup products
- All liquid items must fit into a 20cm x 20cm sealed plastic bag, before they go through the scanner at airport security
- Electronic items like laptops and tablets must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside Airport, London City Airport and Aberdeen Airport, which means holidaymakers will be able to pack two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.