All flights at Birmingham Airport suspended after 'suspicious item' found on plane
16 April 2024, 17:31 | Updated: 16 April 2024, 18:50
All flights at Birmingham Airport have been suspended after a 'suspicious item' was found on a plane.
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The airport said it had "temporarily suspended operations" following the security incident.
It follows reports that a 'suspicious item' was found on a Aer Lingus Regional flight.
The flight was heading to Belfast but returned to Birmingham earlier on Tuesday after declaring an emergency.
Footage from the scene showed emergency services on the runway as the plane landed.
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Customers due to fly have been told to still go to the airport and check in.
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."
Rail disruption is also expected between Birmingham New Street and Coventry after all lines were blocked due to the incident.
National Rail said lines have since been reopened but trains may still be cancelled, delayed or diverted.
West Midlands Police said: "We are currently at Birmingham Airport following a report of a suspicious item found on a flight destined for Belfast.
"The plane was diverted shortly after take-off and landed back at Birmingham airport just after 4pm.
"All passengers and crew were evacuated safely and specialist officers including the dog unit searched the plane.
"The incident is now being dealt as a false call with very good intent and the item is not suspicious.
"The safety of all was our primary concern and there is no wider risk to the public and the airport re-opened at 6pm.
"We would like to thank the public for their patience and support while we dealt with this incident."
