While airports across the UK were advised of new Government legislation for the introduction of new security screening technology some six years ago in 2018, the roll out of this legislation was revised to 1 June 2024 following the disruption caused by COVID-19.
To accommodate the new screening technology and streamline the security screening process and at a cost of £60 million, Birmingham Airport has built a larger security area capable of accommodating the projected 18 million passengers the airport anticipates by 2033. The airport has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to complete the new security screening hall in time for the June deadline and is one of only a handful of UK hubs to do so.
The new area now boasts a simpler and more efficient experience for passengers with new screening equipment that mean customers no longer need to remove liquids up to 100ml from their hand luggage or have them in separate clear plastic bags. As of 1 June they will be able to carry liquids up to 100ml in their hand luggage with a view to increasing this to two litres in due course. Electrical items can also stay in a customer’s hand luggage.
Commenting on the £60 million investment, Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director at Birmingham Airport said: “While the airport is ready with its new security technology, we are awaiting final approval of the 2L liquid allowance.
“In the meantime any customers travelling through the airport can take liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml loose and no longer in plastic bags in their hand luggage. Additionally, electricals can stay in their bags and do not need to be removed at the security search area.”
