Birmingham Airport Delays: What's The Holdup?

Birmingham Airport, located 6 miles from Birmingham city centre, is the third largest airport outside London and the seventh largest in the UK. The airport sees a high volume of travellers and, as such, recommends that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight time. The airport advises travellers to arrive 4 hours before long-haul flights and 2-3 hours before short-haul flights to reduce the chance of queues affecting their plans. This is especially important if you're travelling during the airport's busiest times, which are from 4 am to 8 am and 1 pm to 4 pm. So, are flights often delayed at Birmingham Airport?

Check-in and arrival times

Birmingham Airport recommends that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight time. However, it is important to note that some airlines may require earlier check-in times, especially for long-haul flights, so it is always best to confirm with your airline in advance. To be on the safe side, aiming for a two-hour buffer is advisable, especially if you plan to check in at the airport during peak hours, which are generally between 6 am and 7:30 am in the summer months.

The check-in process at Birmingham Airport is straightforward. The airport has one terminal building, and the check-in halls are located on the ground floor. The check-in halls are divided into two sections. Check-in desks 1–82 are located in section 1 and are home to most airlines. Check-in desks 100–130 are in section 2 and are operated by specific airlines: Air France, Eastern, Flybe, KLM, and Tui.

Many airlines offer online check-in, which can be convenient for passengers. However, it's important to remember that online check-in times can vary, so always confirm with your airline. If you choose to check in online, and you have hold luggage, you will need to go to the bag drop desks in the check-in hall upon your arrival at the airport. Please note that these bag drop desks typically close 45–60 minutes before the flight, so make sure you arrive at the airport with enough time to spare.

For those who prefer to check in at the airport, Birmingham Airport provides kiosks for self-check-in, as well as manned desks. After checking in, passengers will need to go up to the first floor for security. On average, security and passport control take around 10 minutes to clear, but during peak travel periods, it can take longer. To avoid any delays, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, especially for long-haul flights.

Delays and cancellations

Firstly, it is recommended that passengers arrive at Birmingham Airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight time. For long-haul flights, it is advised to arrive 4 hours in advance, and for short-haul flights, 2-3 hours early. This buffer time can help reduce the impact of any unexpected delays, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Birmingham Airport has a designated smoking zone outside the front of the terminal, which is the only place where smoking is permitted. The airport also has a range of shops and places to eat, as well as free Wi-Fi access, which can help pass the time in case of delays.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight. You can do this by checking the official Birmingham Airport Departures page or using their mobile app, which provides live status updates and useful links. Additionally, some airlines offer online or kiosk check-in, which can help streamline the process and reduce potential delays.

In the case of cancellations or significant delays, you may be entitled to compensation or other forms of assistance under European Union Regulation EC261. This regulation covers flights departing from an EU airport or arriving at an EU airport on an EU airline. The specific compensation amounts and eligibility criteria are outlined in EC261, and it is worth familiarising yourself with these rights as a passenger.

Transport to and from the airport

Birmingham Airport is located conveniently in the centre of England, with excellent transport links to major UK locations. National Express runs coach services to Birmingham Airport from across the UK, with day and night services, providing a stress-free travel experience. These services are comfortable, affordable, and flexible, with free WiFi and air conditioning on board. Coaches arrive at and depart from right outside the terminal building, with some also stopping at Birmingham Interchange train station, from where you can take the 2-minute Air-Rail monorail service to the airport.

National Express offers a 'Change & Go Add On' for just £5 each way, which allows passengers to board any available coach 12 hours before or after their original departure time, amend their ticket to a new departure date for free, or receive a refund on their ticket up to 24 hours before departure. This is ideal for those worried about their flight being delayed.

If you are travelling from Birmingham City Centre, you can also take a local bus service to the airport, which operates throughout the day and night. These buses also connect the airport with Coventry, Solihull, and other nearby locations.

Airport facilities

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is well-equipped to cater to the needs of modern-day travellers. The airport features extensive arrival and departure areas, with check-in desks, currency exchange booths, information desks, and a Business Point. The departure lounge offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, including duty-free shopping, clothing stores, and various cafes and restaurants. Internet-enabled computers and free Wi-Fi are available throughout the terminal, allowing travellers to stay connected.

For travellers' convenience and comfort, the airport provides a range of additional facilities. These include a prayer room, a meditation room, family bathrooms, and a Kidzone children's play area. For nursing mothers, there are private rooms with comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and soft lighting. A sensory room is also available, featuring a bubbling water wall and touchable activity panels to reduce anxiety for travellers with autism and special needs.

Birmingham Airport ensures accessibility for all passengers with special assistance desks, Skycaps to aid passengers with disabilities, and Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) located near baggage claim. The airport also offers a Cash-to-Card machine, allowing travellers to convert cash for ease of use during their trip. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, and a PNC ATM can be found near baggage claim.

For those travelling with pets, the airport provides an Animal Relief area on the lower level of the terminal, with pet waste disposal containers and grass facing the FAA control tower. Pet owners are encouraged to have proper identification and paperwork easily accessible. The airport also offers Smart Carte trollies for rent at baggage claim and curbside near the terminal entrances, making it convenient for travellers with multiple bags.

Security and luggage restrictions

Birmingham Airport has a comprehensive set of security and luggage restrictions in place to ensure the safety of passengers. Here is some critical information to ensure you are well-prepared for your flight:

Hand Luggage and Weight Restrictions

Most airlines enforce strict weight restrictions for checked luggage and hand luggage. It is recommended to check your airline's specific guidelines and pack under the weight limit to avoid extra charges. Hand luggage dimensions must not exceed 56cm in length, 45cm in width, and 25cm in depth (including wheels, handles, and side pockets). Some airlines may have even more restrictive dimensions, so checking beforehand is essential.

Sharp Objects

Any sharp-pointed items are not permitted in hand luggage. This includes knives with blades longer than 6cm, scissors with pointed tips and blades longer than 3cm, billiard/snooker/pool cues, and similar items.

Liquids, Pastes, and Gels

Containers carrying liquids, pastes, or gels must not exceed 100ml and should be placed in hand luggage during the security search. Each passenger is allowed one clear, re-sealable plastic bag, not exceeding one litre in capacity, to store these containers. There is no limit on the number of 100ml containers within this bag.

Electrical Items

All electrical items, including laptops, must remain in hand luggage and be screened separately. Ensure that all electronic devices are charged and functional, as you may be asked to turn them on during security screening.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited and must not be carried onto the aircraft:

• Flammable liquids and solids
• Infectious substances
• Wet car cell batteries
• Instruments containing magnets or mercury
• Non-safety matches, firelighters, and lighter fuel
• Poisons (e.g. arsenic, cyanide)
• Weedkillers, pesticides, and other toxic substances
• Acids, corrosives, alkalis, and caustic soda
• Creosote, quicklime, and oiled paper
• Radioactive materials

Security Screening Process

To ensure a smooth security screening process, follow these guidelines:

• Have all relevant travel documents readily available for inspection.
• Ensure your hand luggage complies with the weight and size restrictions.
• Remove jackets and coats for separate screening.
• Remove laptops and other large electrical items from their cases for separate screening.
• Remove all items from your pockets, including phones, keys, coins, and tissues.
• Remove belts and shoes if instructed to do so.
• Advise security officers of any metal limbs or implants and carry confirmation from your doctor, if possible.

Frequently asked questions