Birmingham Airport ditches ‘ugly’ passenger rule before summer

Birmingham Airport has SNAPED a lot carry-on rule just in time for summer vacations. More than 200,000 people are expected to fly out of Birmingham Airport over half term as families take advantage of the week’s holiday ahead of summer.

A makeover at the airport, which is a stone’s throw from the NEC near Solihull, means a makeover for passenger security, with a new £60m “state-of-the-art” security room upgrade. As a result of the change, passengers no longer need to remove their liquids from their hand luggage.

Liquids can remain free in hand luggage, but still cannot exceed 100 ml. Once the new security hall is fully operational by June, the 100ml liquid rule will also be dropped, the airport also confirmed, as it moves through the changes for the government’s targeted June 1 start date .

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Transport Secretary Mark Harper, a Conservative minister, unveiled the changes last year and said at the time: “These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening even more security.

“The UK is leading the world in rolling out this technology, but it is important that we give those airports that are still missing the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before they travel.”

Karen Dee, chief executive of trade body the Airport Operators Association, said: “Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multi-million pound investment programs which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security for years to come.

“As with any program of this complexity, there are significant challenges and we are pleased that the government has recognized these and agreed to extend delivery times where necessary. By taking this approach, airports can ensure they are ready to welcome passengers over the coming holiday periods and that their journeys are safe, secure and seamless as we make this transition.”