Birmingham Airport issues update as 'incident' which saw passengers evacuated and trapped on planes ends

Birmingham Airport has issued a statement after passengers were evacuated and all flights were stopped for hours this afternoon. The shutdown happened after the discovery of a ‘suspicious vehicle’ and pictures from the scene showed a police car blocking the approach to the airport.

Hundreds of people were left standing outside the airport as investigations continued. At 3.45 about two hours after it began the airport said: “Following a Police investigation, some passengers were evacuated and we had to suspend departing flights for a couple of hours. That investigation has now concluded, and operations will slowly be returning to normal. All passengers are advised to check latest flight information from their airline.

“Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience and disruption, the safety and security of everyone at the airport was our number one priority as we worked through this incident with Police partners.”

Furious travellers wondered if it really had to take that long. One said: “It’s ridiculous. Passengers on flight are in there for almost hour and half, disabled passengers are frustrated & exhausted. This airport should have NOT taken this long to deal this matter for this long. It’s a shame.”

While it was going on Cheeta said on X: ”I am stuck on a plane, claustrophobic, pleading to get off. How long is this situation going to take?” Spandle added: “My mum and dad are stuck on a plane at Birmingham airport. They have no idea what’s going on they just got back from Spain.”

While the incident continued West Midlands Police said: “Birmingham Airport is currently being evacuated following a report of suspicious vehicle. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.”