Work is under way on Birmingham Airport’s new security screening area, which will be located within the existing terminal.

The £20m project completion deadline is June 1, 2024, the date by which the UK Government requires all airports to be compliant with new standards.

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

The airport’s contractors, Tilbury Douglas, began work in late October. Initial steps include 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.

In its master plan, published in 2018, BHX outlined its aspiration to grow customer volumes from 12 million a year (pre-pandemic) to 18 million a year by 2033. The new and improved security screening area will be able to accommodate up to 18 million passengers a year.

Image: Birmingham Airport