TRAVEL chaos has hit Birmingham Airport again, with thousands of passengers stuck in security queues.
Holidaymakers have faced long waits at West Midlands airport since the government made a last-minute switch to hand sanitiser, telling airports to reinstate the 100ml limit.
BHX bosses announced a new security facility in May to prepare for higher limits, promising a “next-generation” way for passengers to pass through with electronics and liquids.
But with that new rule being rescinded and the facility still being worked on despite being operational, summer vacation travelers are being held back.
Jetsetters described the scenes as a “health and safety disaster” on Thursday morning.
It was estimated that there were already more than 1,000 people in line at 5:30 am.
Davey Asprey wrote on X: “Already in line for 98 minutes and still outside the airport for security.
“I’m British. We love a good queue but this is ridiculous.”
Speaking to Birmingham Live, the passenger said little progress had been made after an hour of waiting.
The traveler said: “We have been queuing for over an hour and still haven’t reached the lifts.
“It’s literally a health and safety disaster because animals wouldn’t be treated so badly.
“I estimate there are about a thousand people in line at 5:30 am.
“It seems like a third world operation.”
The Sun has contacted the airport for comment.
On Thursday morning, the airport reminded passengers not to exceed the liquid limit.
A statement to
“Do not put them in plastic bags in your hand luggage or remove them at security. There is no limit on the number of 100 ml containers you take with you.”
Angry travelers took to social media to share their experiences as they waited for takeoff.
One holidaymaker wrote on X: “After a manic 3 hours in Birmingham airport, a delayed flight to Malaga and a #storm like I’ve never experienced in my life… on Thursday in sunny Spain.”
Another wrote: “90 minutes to breach security. In line at 4:55 am. Horrible experience.”
Do you know more? Email us at james.halpin@the-sun.co.uk, or call us on 020 7782 4100
Travelers expressed their frustrations earlier this month when they saw long lines out the door and down the street on June 6.
One passenger said: “Travelling from Birmingham Airport is an absolute mess. It has the longest queue for security I have ever seen in my 49 years.”
Until mid-June there were still two-hour long queues at the airport.
A traveler went to
BHX is the only airport that struggles to get customers through security.
Why are there long queues at Birmingham Airport?
BIRMINGHAM Airport has recently opened a new £60 million state-of-the-art security hall.
The hall is part of a wider upgrade of the airport, which is expected to handle 18 million fliers per year by 2033.
Thanks to the upgrade, passengers will ultimately be allowed to carry a maximum of two liters of liquids in their hand luggage.
But regulatory approval has yet to be granted for the increased liquid limits in Birmingham.
A spokesperson previously said that work on the hall was underway.
“Although our new security hall is operational, construction work is still ongoing on site and we are awaiting regulatory approval allowing liquids up to two liters to be carried in hand luggage.
“These construction works will continue for the foreseeable future as we redevelop the airport, which is part of our planned and previously announced £300 million investment.
“Until further notice, passengers are advised that when departing Birmingham Airport they may only carry liquids up to 100ml, although this must remain in hand luggage and no longer in a plastic bag.”
With the festive season just around the corner, Manchester Airport is also experiencing aviation anarchy.
Passengers complained on Monday about a two-hour wait time when dropping off luggage.
It came after a major power outage on Sunday, which canceled all flights from Terminals 1 and 2.
The blackout prevented passengers from checking in and created piles of unclaimed luggage.
One irate traveler wrote on X at 6.20am: “Manchester Airport remains the worst airport in the world. Two hours to drop off luggage and go through security; what a show.”
Chris Woodroofe, chief executive of Manchester Airport, has apologised.
Mr Woodroofe said: “Firstly, I would like to offer my sincere, personal apologies to every passenger affected by what happened at Manchester Airport today.”
He added that there was a “major power surge in our electrical system” which “damaged some very important equipment for our departure security and our departure baggage system”.
The 100ml carry-on rule at UK airports explained
Going through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to be aware of the strict carry-on rules before you travel. Most UK airports will implement the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must contain less than 100 ml
- Liquids include things like gels, aerosols, moisturizers, sunscreen, and makeup products
- All liquid items must fit into a sealed 8″ x 8″ plastic bag before going through the scanner at airport security
- Electronic items such as laptops and tablets should be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside Airport, London City Airport and Aberdeen Airport, allowing holidaymakers to carry two liters of liquid in their hand luggage.