When Birmingham airport will reopen after suspicious vehicle sparked evacuation

All services have returned to normal after a suspicious car sparked an evacuation at Birmingham Airport. All departing flights were suspended and passengers were told to stay on planes after police descended on the airport around 12.20pm on Wednesday (Oct 23).

Just after 1pm, Solihull-based BHX told all passengers to stay away and all train and buses services were halted. Large crowds of people including holidaymakers were taken from the airport and held in areas including the NEC.

Around 3.45pm, the investigation concluded and all services were restored as normal at the airport. 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.

Read More: Train company issues announcement to all passengers after Birmingham Airport evacuation

"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.”

West Midlands Police said: "This afternoon (Weds), we responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at Birmingham Airport. 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.

"Following a search by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team the vehicle was deemed to be safe. 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."