After planes were grounded and travelers were advised to avoid the area, the airport reports that operations are “returning to normal.”
After planes were grounded and the airport was evacuated while police responded to allegations of a suspicious vehicle, Birmingham Airport is “returning to normal.”
“After a police investigation, operations are now returning to normal,” the airport said in a statement. As we worked through this issue with police partners, everyone’s safety and security at the airport came first, and we sincerely apologize for any difficulty or interruption this may have caused.
According to West Midlands police, the airport was “partially evacuated” in order to examine and inspect a car. The car was determined to be safe after being searched by the explosive ordnance disposal crew. No longer is the car regarded as suspect. Our top priority was everyone’s safety, and the public is not at greater risk,” the force declared.
“With little interruption, the airport has returned to its regular operations. We want to express our gratitude to the public for their understanding and assistance during this situation.
The airport warned all travelers to avoid the area earlier on Wednesday, stating that its operations were impacted. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), which is close by, was reportedly escorted to passengers outside the airport facility.
As they were removed from the site, crowds of people—many of whom had suitcases—found themselves behind police tape.
Teams from the West Midlands ambulance service were also present “as a precautionary measure as police deal with reports of a suspicious vehicle,” and the West Midlands fire department reported that it has workers on standby at the airport.
Later, the airport advised travelers to verify the most recent flight information before departing and said they might return.
As the airport was evacuated, some aircraft that were supposed to depart on Wednesday were delayed by more than two hours, according to the departures board. After the jets landed, other travelers said they were stuck on the runway.
Passengers said that they were being gradually re-entered the airport building following the most recent news, but more disruption was anticipated for several hours.
