New Birmingham Airport screening area build takes off

Work is under way on Birmingham Airport 's new security screening area. The new facility, being built within the existing terminal building, will result in a speedier, simpler pre-flight security screening process for customers.

UK Government requires all airports to be compliant with new standards by 1 June 2024, which is the completion deadline for the project, a total investment of more than £20m.

Al Titterington, terminal operations director for Birmingham Airport (BHX) said: “We are seizing this as an opportunity to improve our operation and, crucially, the customer experience we offer at BHX.

“Installing our Next-Generation Security (NGS) system will deliver a speedier and simpler pre-flight screening process capable of serving significantly more passengers per hour at peak times. ”

In its Master Plan published in 2018, BHX outlined its aspiration to grow customer volumes from 12m a year (pre-pandemic) to 18m a year by 2033.

The new and improved security screening area supports growth up to 18m passengers a year and beyond. This in turn will help drive economic growth in the West Midlands region.

The airport 's contractors, Tilbury Douglas, have begun their work on the new facility. Initial steps in the work included setting up site compounds before moving ahead with the project itself.

In recent weeks, BHX 's landside Burger King and Frankie & Benny 's eateries have closed to accommodate the new screening area.

Pictured: Artist 's impression of the new facility