Birmingham Airport reveals ‘we’re not Alton Towers’ as it closes bid to ease 2-hour queues outside after security turn

BIRMINGHAM Airport has refused to adopt a queuing feature that Alton Towers has in a bid to tackle two-hour security lines.

Crowds of tourists lined up and wrapped around the entrance to West Midlands Airport just weeks after 100ml hand luggage rules were scrapped.

Jet-setters were continually warned to arrive early for their flights, with queues around the car park until 5am on most days.

And as passengers grow impatient as we approach peak season and the summer holidays, they have suggested BHX bosses add “queue markers”.

Like theme parks, signs would demonstrate how long you have to wait at certain points along the lines.

However, the suggestion was dismissed by airport executives who said Birmingham was “somewhat different to Alton Towers”.

BHX said: “The environment of an airport and the existing security sensitivities/requirements are somewhat different to the likes of Alton Towers.

“Getting on a plane and the time it takes to make sure everyone is going to be kept safe is different to getting on a rollercoaster and should rightly take longer.

“The real-time tacker was an estimate of the pending state at the time. When construction work began, this facility was removed.

“We will review the availability of this feature once the construction work has been completed.”

Departure screens at the airport previously showed loads of flights warning of “final call” as people raced to catch their plane.

Flyers have had countless stressful mornings not knowing if they will get through security in time.

A spokesman for Birmingham Airport previously pinned the issues on flyers arriving with more than 100ml of liquids in their bags.

They said: “Our new security area has been designed and resourced to cope with the increase to two liters carried in hand luggage, this cannot currently be operated with the temporary restriction.

“To fully comply with this new directive, we have further modified our operating process.

“We now have ‘liquid check stations’ at all entrances to the terminal where colleagues assist passengers directly to ensure liquid containers over 100ml are removed.

“With these additional checks we have noticed that a large proportion of customers are still arriving with liquids over 100ml in their bags and these unfortunately need to be removed and disposed of.

“Containers that can carry more than 100 ml are allowed, but they must be completely empty.

“Our security throughput has been continuous today, aided by these additional checks, and we welcome and appreciate the cooperation of our passengers in removing oversized liquids from their hand luggage.

“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 going through security, causing unnecessary queues and delays to customer journeys.

“This new step in the process is to eliminate the problem before customers move on.

“Now more than ever, it’s imperative that customers follow the 100ml rule.

“This additional level of control risks slowing down the security process without passenger support.

“For customers who are less able to stand for periods of time, we advise them to book the assisted travel service.

“However, if a customer is queuing during our peak times and feels they need assistance, then our customer ambassadors are in the area and can help them without losing their place in line.”