Birmingham Airport is braced for liquidity changes

BIRMINGHAM Airport is set to relax rules on the amount of liquids passengers can carry when approved by the government.

The airport has created a state-of-the-art security screening area with new screening machines, meaning passengers no longer need to remove liquids up to 100ml in size from hand luggage or put them in separate liquid bags .

Electrical items can now also stay in the customer’s hand luggage, meaning an easier journey through security.

The airport has been using its new security screening area since mid-March, but has faced a difficult transition period as it installs new equipment, a new security area and work on a new terminal continues.

In 2018, all UK airports were informed of new government legislation to introduce new security screening technology and carry liquids in hand luggage by summer 2024.

Birmingham has also decided to create a hall to accommodate the projected 18 million passengers by 2033.

In January 2022, a planning, procurement and construction period began, at a privately funded cost of £60 million, to build a new security control room.

Al Titterington, director of terminal operations at Birmingham Airport, said: “We have invested £60 million in our new security search area to ensure it is ready for 1 June 2024. While the airport is ready with its new security technology, we await the final approval of the 2L fluid allowance.

“In the meantime, any customer traveling through the airport can take liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml in bulk, and no longer in plastic bags, in their hand luggage. In addition, electrical appliances can remain in luggage and do not need to be removed in the security search area.”

The airport says it will inform passengers of the change to the liquid allowance, but for now only liquids up to 100ml can be carried.