Birmingham Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK, has reopened its doors after a security incident involving a suspicious vehicle led to its temporary closure. The airport, which serves nearly 12 million passengers annually, was evacuated on Thursday, October 25th, 2024, resulting in the suspension of all flight operations as a precautionary measure.
The incident unfolded around 12:20 BST when a suspicious vehicle prompted the deployment of a police operation. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called to assess the situation, and the vehicle was eventually declared safe by West Midlands Police. Following the EOD team’s clearance, the airport began restoring normal operations later that evening.
While flight services have resumed, passengers are still advised to check with their respective airlines for potential delays or schedule changes. An airport spokesperson apologized for the inconvenience caused by the disruption, emphasizing that “the safety and security of everyone at the airport was our number one priority.”
During the evacuation, passengers who had already cleared security were allowed to proceed to departures, while others were asked to leave the terminal building. Several passengers expressed frustration over the disruption, with some voicing their concerns about the lack of communication during the incident. Social media users shared their experiences, including one passenger stuck on a plane, who stated they were “claustrophobic and pleading to get off.”
While flights were held on the ground, all but one were eventually cleared for departure. Birmingham Airport continues to work closely with its airline partners, including Ryanair and Aer Lingus Regional, to minimize any further disruption to travelers.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status with airlines as services stabilize. The airport has reassured travelers that they are working tirelessly to minimize the impact on customers while thanking them for their patience during the situation. For the latest updates, travelers can visit the official Birmingham Airport website or check with their respective airlines for real-time information.