Birmingham Airport hires 100 new staff to tackle delays caused by new UK liquidity rules

Birmingham Airport has strengthened its team with 100 new staff, due to be operational by Friday 14 June, in response to recent changes to UK liquidity rules which have caused significant disruption. Nick Barton, the airport’s chief executive, told BirminghamLive about the recruitment of specialist ‘liquid consultants’ who will be stationed at each entrance to help travelers prepare their bags for security checks.

During a tour of the terminal on Tuesday, June 11, Mr Barton confirmed the addition of the new staff, who are tasked with ensuring passengers comply with the 100ml container regulation before reaching the scanners. The move is part of the airport’s strategy to reduce congestion during peak periods.

The airport has identified incorrect liquid volumes as a contributing factor to passenger delays this week, exacerbated by an eleventh-hour Government amendment to hand luggage liquid regulations, which Mr Barton labeled “painful”.

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With the recruitment of the new liquids team, the airport anticipates a more pleasant experience for passengers starting Monday morning, June 17. Calls for a swift review of terminal operations have intensified to prepare for the upcoming summer holiday peak amid new rules on liquids, general confusion among travelers and limited queue space, Birmingham Live reports.

New government transport directives have left Birmingham Airport officials reeling. According to Mr Barton, an abrupt decision on regulations on the carriage of liquids led to their major festive unveiling last week collapsing.

The directive required travelers to limit liquids, gels and pastes in hand luggage to just 100ml.

The airport had previously anticipated that a new 2 liter policy would be implemented by June 1. However, government officials have announced they need to revalidate the software on all machines – even at other UK airports such as London City, which has already implemented the higher allowance.

The ensuing chaos, along with ongoing construction work and passengers unknowingly exceeding the liquid limit, is causing serious delays at security checkpoints, especially during the morning rush hour.

Amid growing concerns and a lack of clarity from the government about validating software on expensive security equipment, additional staff have been hired at BHX to ensure smoother transitions through departures.

Despite these ongoing issues, Mr Barton remains hopeful, throwing his weight behind improvement measures: “We definitely want to improve from where we are and we will.”

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