Jess Battison
Birmingham Airport has updated passengers after all flights were suspended and an evacuation took place.
It is now 'returning to normal' after many passengers left sitting on aircrafts as services were halted this afternoon (23 October). The airport had been evacuated following reports of a ‘suspicious vehicle’.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson 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.”
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All flights had been grounded as passengers already on aircrafts said they were having to wait on board. But the airport later confirmed to Birmingham Live that 'some' operations are staying up and running.
The airport issued a statement: “CUSTOMER INFORMATION @WMPolice 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.”
And West Midlands police released the following statement: “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."
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West Midlands Fire Service also confirmed it had two officers at Birmingham Airport.
The service says that it was notified of an incident at 12:20 BST today and that officers are 'working closely with police, ambulance, and airport staff'.
It added: "Local resources are on standby, ready to provide additional support if needed."
Eyewitness at the scene have said they saw 'bomb squad and police dogs' on site. One witness named Bilal Baig was driving to the airport before he was denied entry.
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He told Birmingham Live: "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."
While others hoping to jet off this afternoon wrote on X: "Been evacuated over an hour at Birmingham Airport. Js tryna got on holiday, cant have s**t around here."
And some passengers have reported being taken to the nearby NEC while emergency services are attending the scenes. Videos online show crowds gathering with their luggage in one of the venue's halls.
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For those travelling to or through the station by rail, West Midlands Railway said things are running as normal at Birmingham International Station.
A spokesperson said: "Due to an Operational Incident, Birmingham Airport operations have been impacted, and passengers are advised to avoid the airport at this time.
"Train services through Birmingham International Station continue to run as normal. But we ask customers to travel safely."
And at 3.22pm, Transport for West Midlands confirmed 'local buses are now able to access terminals and International station' again after services to the airport were halted.