Birmingham Airport operations suspended over security incident

Birmingham Airport temporarily suspended operations due to a “security incident on an aircraft” but has now reopened the airport after the “false call with very good intent”.

West Midlands Police say there was a report of a suspicious item onboard a flight destined for Belfast. The Aer Lingus Regional flight EAG47S departed for Belfast but turned back to the airport just after 4pm.

The airport reopened at 6pm and advised passengers to check with their airline or on the Birmingham Airport website before checking in due to potential delays.

The police said: “All passengers and crew have been evacuated safely and specialist officers including the dog unit have now searched the plane.

“The incident is now being dealt as a false call with very good intent and the item is not suspicious.”

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Birmingham Airport has temporarily suspended operations due to a security incident on an aircraft.

“The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew have disembarked. All customers due to travel should make their way to the airport and check in as normal.”