Britons face travel chaos and delays as UK airport evacuated

ARRIVALS

Passengers have been told not to go to the airport

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 23/10/2024

- 14:10

Updated: 23/10/2024

- 15:55

Travellers have been told not to go to the airport as passengers are evacuated from the terminal

Passengers are being advised not to attend Birmingham Airport due to a police incident, with some travellers reporting that they are stuck on planes.

West Midlands Police have been seen at the airport, though officials have yet to confirm the exact nature of the incident.


Passengers were evacuated and all flights suspended following a report of a suspicious vehicle.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the airport said: “@WMPolice is currently on-site dealing with an incident.

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The airport has been evacuated

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“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.”

Some took to social media to say they or their family members were stuck on grounded planes.

Meanwhile, others in the vicinity described the area outside the airport as "chaos".

One user wrote on Twitter: "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."

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."

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A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "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."

Passengers with flights scheduled for this afternoon have been advised by authorities to contact their airline and check the airport's website for updates.

National Express West Midlands has announced that bus services are currently unable to stop at airport terminals or the international station.

The latest update from Birmingham Airport confirms that operations are now returning to normal.

A statement from the airport read: "If travelling today, customers are advised to check their latest flight information and arrive at the airport in line with their check-in opening times.

"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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