Birmingham airport evacuated and all flights grounded

UPDATE 4pm 23/10/24 - Birmingham airport has now told passengers 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 suspicious vehicle.

This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff."

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “West Midlands Police is currently dealing with an ongoing incident on-site.

"Airport operations are currently impacted, and passengers should not come to the airport at this time.

"The Airport’s social channels will be updated as and when the situation changes.

"For passengers with immediate flights this afternoon they should contact their airline and check the Airport’s website for updates.”

All transport links to the airport have also been cancelled, with train lines and bus routes stopping short.

Passengers are not currently being let off flights.

The following post showed passengers being turned away at the airport, with cars also being turned away on entry.

Birmingham Live, a local paper, have reported that a man called Bilag Baig driving past claims they saw a bomb disposal unit and police dogs arrive at the site.

He told the paper: "Birmingham Airport has been sealed off to incoming vehicles, with passengers seen walking outside the terminal. A bomb disposal unit has been spotted entering the airport, and police officers are on the scene, guiding people away from the area.

"Further details are yet to emerge as authorities respond to the situation. Travellers are advised to avoid the area and follow official updates."

One local person trying to get a flight from the airport tweeted to say: "Been evacuated over an hour at Birmingham Airport. Js tryna got on holiday, cant have sh*t around here".

Another responded to the Birmingham Airport twitter to say: "I am stuck on a plane, claustrophobic, pleading to get off. How long is this situation going to take?"

One on twitter was encouraging others to show kindness to staff involved in the incident, saying: "Before anyone starts giving flight operators and staff abuse and not just on here, please remember they've no control over the incident!

"They'll be trying to help not make things worse. #BirminghamAirport".

Birmingham Airport said on Twitter: "WMP is currently on-site dealing with an incident. Airport operations are currently suspended. Passengers are advised to NOT come to the airport at this time. The Airport’s social media channels will be updated as and when the situation changes."