Birmingham Airport has SCRAPPED a much-hated hand luggage rule just in time for summer holidays. More than 200,000 people are expected to fly out of Birmingham Airport in half-term as families take advantage of the week-long break ahead of summer.
A change at the airport, which is a stone’s throw from the NEC near Solihull, means a shake-up at security for passengers with a new £60 million “state-of-the-art” security hall upgrade coming. As a result of the change, passengers no longer need to remove their liquids from carry-on bags.
Liquids can remain in hand luggage loose, but still cannot exceed 100ml. Once the new security hall is operating fully by June, the 100ml liquid rule will also be scrapped, the airport has also confirmed, as it pushes through the changes for the government’s targeted start date of June 1.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper, a Conservative Party 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 security even further.
“The UK is leading the world with its rollout of this technology, but it’s important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before travelling.”
Karen Dee, chief executive of trade body the Airport Operators Association, said: “Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multi-million-pound investment programmes, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security in the years ahead.
“As with any programme of this complexity, there are significant challenges, and we are happy the Government has recognised these and agreed to extend timeframes for delivery where necessary. By adopting this approach, airports can ensure that they are ready to welcome passengers over the upcoming holiday periods and that their journeys are safe, secure and smooth as we make this transition.”