Birmingham Airport is investing £5 million to add two new security lanes in time for the summer, after acknowledging passenger queues last year were ‘unacceptable’.
Last year, passengers described the security process as a ‘complete shambles’ and there were reports of travellers missing flights because of long queues. In June, TUI advised customers to arrive up to four hours before a long-haul departure to give them time to get through security.
The new lanes will have a capacity to screen up to 3,600 passengers per hour, and will be open during peak times.
In a statement the airport said: “These lanes are in addition to the £60 million security screening hall which opened last year. Following a last-minute rule change on liquids from the Government, the airport has worked tirelessly to ensure that long queues do not impact the customer’s summer again.”
Birmingham became one of the first airports in the UK to install new 3D security scanners, but hasn’t been able to use them fully. Since liquid restrictions of 100ml were reintroduced, the airport said it has remained in ‘close dialogue with the Government with the hope that restrictions will be lifted ahead of the summer’.
Birmingham Airport Terminal Operations Director Al Titterington said: “Last summer, some passengers experienced unacceptable lengths of queuing, so we have focused on improving the efficiencies of our processes and how we support our customers on their journey, as quickly as possible.
“Since last summer, we have been relentless in our focus to make sure unacceptable queuing does not return this year. Over the course of several weeks, we will be making a string of announcements, unveiling new projects and partnerships that will enhance the passenger experience during what will be our airport’s busiest year.”
