Birmingham Airport: Why the airport was evacuated as operations return to normal - full statement

Birmingham Airport closed on Wednesday (October 23) and all flights were grounded due to a police incident on site.

West Midlands Police responded to a report of a ‘suspicious vehicle’ at Birmingham Airport and evacuated all passengers as a ‘precautionary measure’.

The force released a statement following a search by their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and said the vehicle was deemed to be safe.

The airport reopened in the evening and all operations have now returned to normal.

A statement from the force, read: “The safety of all was our primary concern and as a precautionary measure the airport was partially evacuated so the vehicle could be searched and assessed.

“The vehicle is no longer being treated as suspicious. The safety of all was our primary concern and there is no wider risk to the public. The airport has resumed normal business with minimal disruption.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and support while we dealt with this incident.”

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.”