TRAVEL chaos has again struck Birmingham Airport with thousands of passengers stuck in security queues.
Holidaymakers have been facing lengthy wait times at the West Midlands airport since the government's last-minute changes to hand liquid, where it ordered airports to restore the 100ml limit.
BHX bosses announced a new security facility in May to be ready for increased limits, promising a "next generation" way for passengers advance through with electronics and liquid.
But with that new rule being rescinded and the facility still being worked on despite being operational, travellers setting off on their summer hols are being held back.
Jetsetters were on Thursday morning describing the scenes as a "health and safety disaster".
It was estimated that by 5:30am there were already more than 1000 people queuing up.
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Speaking to Birmingham Live, the passenger there was very little progress an hour into waiting.
The traveller said: "We have been queuing for over an hour and still not reached the lifts.
"It is literally a health and safety disaster as animals would not be treated so badly.
"I estimate at 05:30 there are approximately 1,000-plus people queuing.
"It's running something akin to a third world operation."
The Sun has approached the airport for comment.
On Thursday morning the airport issued a reminder to passengers not to exceed the liquid limit.
Posting to X, a statement said: "All passengers leaving BHX can only carry containers up to 100ml in liquids, pastes and gels in their hand luggage.
"Do not put them in plastic bags in your hand luggage and do not remove them at security. There is no restriction on how many 100ml containers are carried."
Travellers took to socials to share there experiences waiting to take off.
One holidaymaker posted to X: "After a manic 3 hours at Birmingham airport, a delayed flight to Malaga and a #storm like I’ve never experienced in my life … here’s to Thursday in sunny Spain."
Another wrote: "90 mins to clear security. Joined queue at 4.55 am. Horrid experience."
Why are there long queues at Birmingham Airport?
BIRMINGHAM Airport has recently opened a new £60million 'state-of-the-art' security hall.
The hall is part of a wider £300million upgrade to the airport which is expecting to handle 18million flyers a year by 2033.
The upgrade will eventually allow passengers to carry liquids of up to two litres in cabin baggage.
But regulatory approval is yet to be granted for the increased liquid limits at Birmingham.
A spokesperson has previously said that work continues on the hall.
"Although our new security hall is operational, we still have on-going building works on-site and are awaiting regulatory approval that will allow liquids of up to two litres to be taken through in cabin baggage.
"These building works will continue for the foreseeable future as we redevelop the airport, which is part of our planned, and previously announced, £300m investment.
"Until further notice, passengers are advised that they can only carry liquids up to 100ml, albeit it can stay in hand luggage and no longer needs to be in a plastic bag, when departing from Birmingham Airport."
