Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • Birmingham Airport provides update on liquid restrictions

Aerospace Security

Birmingham Airport provides update on liquid restrictions

In 2018 all UK airports were advised of new Government legislation for the introduction of new security screening technology.

Image courtesy BHX

This would allow a change to the rule on electrical items and liquids in hand luggage. This legislation was amended to take into account the delay that Covid brought to the aviation industry and a revised deadline of 1st June 2024 was set as the completion date for the new technology being installed, commissioned and to be used.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Instead of just replacing the technology Birmingham Airport took the decision to future proof, by building a larger security area, to ensure it would accommodate the projected 18 million passengers by 2033. In January 2022 a period of planning, procurement and construction, at a privately financed cost of £60 million, to build a new security screening hall began.

Birmingham Airport has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months and has successfully hit the 1st of June 2024 deadline, one of the few UK airports, and has been using its new security screening area since mid-March. The transition and training of colleagues to the new security area, new equipment and the terminal construction works have not been without their challenges and there have been some occasions when customer service has fallen below what the airport aims to deliver.

In May the transition of security officers to the new security search area was complete. The new area boasts a simpler and streamlined experience for our customers and is largely fully functional. Using these new screening machines, customers no longer need to remove liquids that are up to 100ml in size from their hand luggage or have them in separate liquid bags. Electrical items can now also stay in a customer’s hand luggage, meaning an easier journey through security.

Whilst Birmingham Airport expects that passengers will be able to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, due to an outstanding regulatory approval - which is out of the control of Birmingham Airport - only liquids up to 100ml can currently be carried.  

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director of Birmingham Airport said: “We have invested £60 million in our new security search area to ensure readiness for the 1st June 2024. Whilst the airport is ready with its new security technology, we are awaiting the final approval of the two litre liquid allowance.

“In the meantime any customers travelling through the airport can take liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml loose and no longer in plastic bags, in their hand luggage.  Additionally, electricals can stay in their bags and do not need to be removed at the security search area.”  

Once the regulatory approval of the two litre allowance has been granted, Birmingham Airport will provide an update.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
QinetiQ US achieves DoD

Security

QinetiQ US achieves DoD's CMMC Level 2 Cybersecurity Certification

16 July 2025

Advanced certification has positioned QinetiQ US among early achievers in a select group of companies meeting the US Department of Defense's enhanced cybersecurity standards, having earned Level 2 certification under the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) programme with zero findings.

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney joins NPAS as COO

Security

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney joins NPAS as COO

15 July 2025

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), following the retirement of Chief Superintendent Vicki White after 30 years of service to policing.

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

Defence Security Events

Lane Electronics to showcase connectivity solutions at DSEI 2025

15 July 2025

Franchised distributor of electrical, electronic and optical connectors, Lane Electronics, will be exhibiting at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London) will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest connector technologies and its UK-based assembly and services.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
UK and France agree scheme to address illegal Channel crossings

Security

UK and France agree scheme to address illegal Channel crossings

11 July 2025

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, have agreed a scheme to address illegal Channel crossings and dismantle the people smuggling networks.

IFS appoints Kriti Sharma as CEO of Nexus Black

Aerospace Security

IFS appoints Kriti Sharma as CEO of Nexus Black

11 July 2025

IFS has appointed Kriti Sharma as CEO of IFS Nexus Black. This strategic move reinforces IFS’s commitment to industrial AI and fast-tracks the development of agentic AI systems designed for the asset- and service-intensive industries it serves.

Advertisement
ODU RT