A huge debate has erupted over the delays at Birmingham Airport. This comes as many passengers experienced long delays yesterday (May 17) as queues built up near departure points, but others said there were “no queues” and when they arrived it was “moving very quickly”.
There have been delays this month as work is underway to build a new security hall. Officials say it will be “more streamlined,” but there are reports that travelers are missing flights because of it.
Some called the situation a “joke.” But many others responded that there was no problem with the huge contrast of opinion.
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Delays have also been caused by the airport’s main escalators not being used, meaning people are forced to use the lifts. Birmingham Airport said passengers would be queuing in “unfamiliar areas” due to “ongoing construction work”.
And bosses say the airport is making “operational decisions on a daily basis” to ensure the flow of customers through security. Dozens of travelers have taken to the CoventryLive Facebook page to share their experiences of flying at Birmingham Airport.
One called the airport “an absolute joke”. But others said it was the “fastest time ever” and that there were “no problems”.
Linda Atkinson, who flew into Dublin on Monday, May 9, said: “Arrived at the airport at 6.30am. Went up the escalator and we couldn’t believe the queues – it was disgusting.
“There were 14 security zones and only one was open. What a way to manage an airport.
“I would have thought the staff would be walking up and down the queues to see how bad it was. Hopefully next time we go it will be better organised.”
Pete Greenway said: “I was there on Tuesday one hour in line for the elevators to get you to the security check area. Another 30 minutes after exiting the elevators. It’s a joke.”
Claire Gamble said: “It’s been a joke for the last 18 months. Twice we’ve traveled from there and had to run for a flight despite getting there 2.5 hours early.”
Karen Leach, who flew on May 1, added: “It was ridiculous. We stood in line for what seemed like hours and the fast lane wasn’t any faster.”
However, not everyone had problems during the trips. Hannah Britton said: “Flew last Thursday. No queues.
“Got through security in 5 minutes. Returned this Wednesday, no queues at border control, suitcase delivered in 10 minutes. Overall a great experience.”
Stephen Warwood said: “Went out yesterday. They had new scanners working in a different area than security normally does. We still got a fast track to be safe and got through pretty quickly.”
Debra Hewitt said: “We went through the airport last week. It took 45 minutes from being dropped off at the station to the departure hall. We got home late at night.
“Go through the passport control right away, things are right away and in the taxi. Absolutely no problem either way.”
Wayne Wootton added: “We went through last Friday at 3.40am for a 6am flight. We got off the flight and got into the security queue.
“It took about 20 minutes and that’s because my bag needed to be checked. No problem.”
Speaking on Friday after passengers were seen queuing outside, a Birmingham Airport spokesman said: “As we continue to build the new security screening area, customers will find themselves queuing in unfamiliar locations.
“Due to the sunny morning we experienced today, we have made the decision to put our customers in a queue outside to ease the congestion around the construction works. Although it looks unusual for our customers and we apologize for this, we make operational decisions daily to ensure the flow of customers through security.’
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