By james art UPDATE 4pm, 23/10/24 – Birmingham Airport has now advised passengers that operations are “slowly returning to normal”. Full story here.
Birmingham Airport has been evacuated and all flights have been grounded.
West Midlands Police released the following statement regarding the incident: “Birmingham Airport is currently being evacuated following a report of a suspicious vehicle.
This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.”
A spokesman for Birmingham Airport said: “West Midlands Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at the scene.
“Airport operations are currently affected and passengers should not come to the airport at this time.
Birmingham Airport (Heritage Images via Getty Images)
“The airport’s social channels will be updated as the situation changes.
“Passengers with immediate flights this afternoon should contact their airline and check the airport’s website for updates.”
All transport links to the airport have also been cancelled, with train services and bus services stopping briefly.
Passengers are not being released from flights at this time.
The next post showed passengers being returned to the airport, with cars also being returned upon entry.
Birmingham Live, a local newspaper, reported that a man named Bilagh Baig, passing by, claimed to have seen a bomb disposal team and police dogs arriving at the scene.
He told the newspaper: “Birmingham Airport is closed to arriving vehicles, with passengers seen walking outside the terminal. A bomb disposal unit was seen entering the airport and police officers were on site directing people away from the area.
“Further details are yet to emerge as authorities respond to the situation.” Travelers are advised to avoid the area and stay tuned for official updates.”
One local man trying to get a flight out of the airport took to Twitter to say: “I was evacuated for over an hour at Birmingham airport.
The airport is closed (Paul Ellis via Getty Images)
Another tweeted at Birmingham Airport to say: ‘Stuck on the plane feeling claustrophobic begging to get off. How long will this situation last?’
One on Twitter encouraged others to show kindness to the staff involved in the incident, saying: “Before anyone starts abusing the flight operators and staff, not just here, please remember they have no control over the incident!
“They will try to help keep things from getting worse.” #BirminghamAirport’.
Birmingham Airport said on Twitter: “WMP are currently dealing with an incident on site. Airport operations are currently suspended. Passengers are advised NOT to come to the airport at this time. The airport’s social media channels will be updated as and when the situation changes.”