Palestinian Authority Media
Police said the evacuation was a “precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.”
Passengers using Birmingham Airport have been advised to check their latest flight information after an airport lounge was evacuated due to a suspicious vehicle.
Many flights were grounded on Wednesday and people had to leave the airport building while a police operation began at around 12:20 GMT.
West Midlands Police said a specialist explosive ordnance disposal team had searched the vehicle, which was deemed “safe”.
An airport spokesman apologized for the inconvenience and disruption, but said, “The safety and security of everyone at the airport was our first priority.”
Ian Pugh
Ian Pugh said he saw hundreds of people leaving the airport
The evacuation affected passengers who were checking in for flights, as a security cordon was imposed around the airport and people were advised not to travel to the airport.
The BBC has learned that passengers who passed security procedures were allowed to go to the departure lounge where they were considered safe.
The airport said it was “working closely with its airline partners to minimize any potential inconvenience to customers.”
A company spokesman said the flights were grounded but were later able to depart with only one flight cancelled.
He added: “We apologize once again for the inconvenience our passengers experienced, but their safety and security is our priority.”
Palestinian Authority Media
The airport said there will be continued disruption while services return to normal
Travelers posted their frustration on social media after being left on board planes that had just arrived at the airport.
One
Another, @SpandleRandle, said his mum and dad were also on a plane at Birmingham Airport after returning from Spain and had “no idea what was going on”.
Some were not satisfied with the way the disorder was handled.
Passenger Samia Khan said: “There have been no updates, no one has told us what is happening, it is absolutely ridiculous.”
“I could have easily taken the train to Amsterdam, and maybe I will choose that next time, because flying has become very difficult with all the delays,” she said.
“Birmingham Airport could have handled the whole situation much better.”
Samia Khan said that she would consider using the train on her future trips
Ian Pugh posted a photo of the crowds outside the building.
“The place seems to be very crowded and the number of people is starting to increase,” he said.
“At first I thought it was people going to the train station and the monorail might have broken down but the numbers have become greater.”
Some passengers were asked to gather at the nearby National Exhibition Center (NEC).
Palestinian Authority Media
Many passengers were left waiting outside while emergency services dealt with the situation
Both West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service had crews on scene while the investigation was carried out.
Passengers were allowed to return to the airport as of 15:30 GMT.
Birmingham Airport was also evacuated in September, when travelers were temporarily asked to leave a small area in the arrivals area.
