Birmingham Airport issues update on fast-track security reopening

Birmingham Airport suspended its fast-track security due to high demand earlier in May - but it is set to return
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Birmingham Airport stopped taking new bookings for fast-track security earlier this month as the service became in high demand as passengers faced long queues to check in.

There were issues at the beginning of May with passengers being forced to queue outside the terminal to board their flights - with reports that hundreds missed flights over the May Bank Holiday.

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The airport’s website states that its Express Lane Security service is ‘currently suspended’ and further notes that:  “We have stopped taking new bookings for our express lane queue service as this is fully subscribed for the foreseeable future. We will continue to review bookings and, as customer volumes stabilise, we will look to reopen the option to book this service.  All existing express lane bookings will be honoured.”

Passengers wait in long queues at Birmingham Airport on Friday (29 April) morningPassengers wait in long queues at Birmingham Airport on Friday (29 April) morning
Passengers wait in long queues at Birmingham Airport on Friday (29 April) morning

However passengers booking from September have told BirminghamWorld that they have now been able to book fast-track security.

Birmingham Airport has confirmed that the service is returning for the winter period - starting from September.

A spokesperson said:  “We’re keeping our express lane bookings under constant review and right now we are accepting bookings for the winter period starting from September.”

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Despite many early morning passengers currently facing long queues many have praised Birmingham airport for managing the situation.

The Airport has advised that that it is still training up staff after being forced to lose 43% of its workers during the pandemic which has led to issues after the government fully lifted Covid-19 travel restrictions with no prior warning on March 18th this year. The new security staff are due to start work in weeks.

Passengers at Birmingham Airport Passengers at Birmingham Airport
Passengers at Birmingham Airport

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