Birmingham-8

[ATNotts]

Wizz Air dropping BHX now?
They have certainly slimmed the operation down this summer, but retain a reasonable presence. #seanm1997 reported this week that they have culled 100+ routes, perhaps in part due to engine issues, perhaps because routes aren't performing, perhaps a bit of both.

Have you seen or heard anymore?

[pabely]

Wizzair are very short of aircraft due to engine issues, into fortress Luton today are x3 charters to keep the program going as much as possible.

[GayFriendly]

The three remaining Wizzair routes are all (currently) bookable throughout winter to end of March 2025. As previously posted they're facing huge issues with fleet shortages hence a huge swathe of route cuts. They've dropped all flights from EDI and BRS with LDS and LPL also seeing routes dropped so we're lucky to still have these 3 routes at BHX

[billyg]

They've dropped all flights from EDI

EDI services had already been moved to GLA !

[GayFriendly]

Apparently an extra 70,000 seats from BHX with TUI next summer - article in Travel Weekly doesn't mention any new routes but does highlight increases in frequency to Palma, Antalya and Dalaman, Rhodes and Paphos.

[ATNotts]

From the Bournemouth thread it seems BHX has picked up Maersk Cargo flights from BOH to add to the existing Air Atlanta and Lufthansa cargo services.

Freight really does appear to be on the up. Who needs Air China?

[chinapattern]

Freight really does appear to be on the up. Who needs Air China?

Perhaps while Air China continue to change their minds BHX went ahead and secured an operation that suited them better?

[nwoody2001]

Also heard a rumour - and it is just that - that Air China has now also handed back their MAN slots... still keen to head to London instead of BHX or MAN... still very much to be confirmed however!

[laviation]

CA to MAN now starting 14th, everything ready to go so I would be surprised to see this fall through so late

[ATNotts]

Perhaps while Air China continue to change their minds BHX went ahead and secured an operation that suited them better?
I don't imagine BHX 'secured' anything, the airport company doesn't appear overly proactive where cargo is concerned.

The impetus surely comes from a dedicated independent handling agent hungry for business.

(The Air China comment wasn't intended as a dig at MAN. That bird has flown).

[Balair]

I don't imagine BHX 'secured' anything, the airport company doesn't appear overly proactive where cargo is concerned.

The impetus surely comes from a dedicated independent handling agent hungry for business..

All very good news. Let’s hope they don’t get carried away with their enthusiasm and overstretch themselves. I’ve seen it happen all too often with small companies in the past and as we have seen, freight can be switched between airports in the blink of an eye!

[ATNotts]

All very good news. Let’s hope they don’t get carried away with their enthusiasm and overstretch themselves. I’ve seen it happen all too often with small companies in the past and as we have seen, freight can be switched between airports in the blink of an eye!
Indeed freight doesn't "take to social media" quite so readily as agrieved SLF!

[simoncorbett]

Certainly I applaud blue city for all their hard work & they have certainly bought lots of extra kit
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought

[OltonPete]

Certainly I applaud blue city for all their hard work & they have certainly bought lots of extra kit
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought

I do have a bit of sympathy for Swissport as they do have their work cut out with passenger flights this summer and Blue City seem to be managing the freight very well.

Lovely sound of the Emirates freighter over the house tonight that would certainly be a nice addition but just a couple of weeks at present I believe.

Should be more freight tomorrow as well

March passenger figures

Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.

TUI

GF - More than shuffling the pack but really a match on what summer 2024 should have been before they cut the 12th aircraft in June and then part of it in July and August. The only major loss in frequency is Boa Vista from 3 per week to 2 per week which no doubt influenced by the route starting up the M42:). The 12th aircraft appears to start full time in June so it is an increase on the final 2024 seats offered but around the same on what was offered originally in 2024. Excellent April schedule though - 3 x 787's flights tomorrow, 2 on short-haul better than high summer:confused:

Pete

[ZULUBOY]

March passenger figures

Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.

Pete[/QUOTE]

Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.

An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.

[ZULUBOY]

March passenger figures

Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.

Pete

Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.

An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.[/QUOTE]

Not sure if this is related to my post
https://twitter.com/aeroroutes/status/1774711833233936602?t=vGtuOvzE76pqm2lgA6QvMA&s=19

[OltonPete]

Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.

An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.

Not sure if this is related to my post
https://twitter.com/aeroroutes/status/1774711833233936602?t=vGtuOvzE76pqm2lgA6QvMA&s=19[/QUOTE]

Korean Air Triple 7 duly arrived today, F1 charter from Japan.

Just in case some think BHX's freight is not as busy as stated

1/4 - Star Air 762 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX
2/4 - blank day
3/4 - Star Air 763 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX
4/4 - Emirates Sky Cargo 77F DWC-STN-DWC
5/4 - Silkway 744 GYD-BHX-GYD
6/4 - Emirates Sky Cargo 77F DWC-STN-DWC
7/4 - MNG Cargo - IST - BHX -IST
8/4 - Rom Cargo 744 HKG-SHJ-BHX & Star Air 763 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX

Might be small fry for some airports but for a reasonably small airport cargo wise and handling agent this is pretty good stuff. Air China still shown tomorrow on FR24 but of course that won't be happening.

Pete

[chaps1954]

17TH April is the new start date to MAN

Ian

[jethro15]

The thing that strikes me about the current freight situation at BHX is the fact that the airport was never considered as a major freight hub. The concentration was focussed on passenger operations until the move to the new terminal. Yes, we had the odd major freight operation, but they were one offs.

The move enabled tarmac space to be made available on the Elmdon side, which in turn encouraged freight operations to support the local automotive facilities. This growth has steadily increased over a long period of time. However, this basis of operation regularly utilises the very regular appearance of smaller aircraft from a variety of operators.

‘Olton Pete’ makes a very fair point in post 767 above.

I’ve been out of the industry far too long to be able to make comment on how this sudden influx (Which appears to be coming a regular occurrence), has increased to much larger freight jet aircraft.

The cost of ground equipment to handle a freight aircraft is not cheap for a passenger orientated airport to entertain (Or is it?)

Who is providing the financial incentive?

BHX will never compete with EMA with regard to freight operations, but why are reputable airlines continuing to use BHX with larger aircraft?

There is no doubt BHX has gained a positive reputation for freight operations in the recent past. Hence the increase.

Thus, the question. What is behind it?

[Sotonsean]

Thus, the question. What is behind it?

Two words....TEMU and SCHEIN.

Search for both, and you will see why 'one' of reasons we are witnessing an increase of cargo flights from China.

I'm not saying that these flights are purely based on the above, but I'm confident when I say that it is having an effect on them

I ordered something from SCHEIN last week. Four items for less than £20 including delivery costs. Cheap as f..k. The comparison in price for equivalent items from elsewhere was considerable.

The app is very comprehensive, and details include the journey from the factory via the airport and destination and courier. Country and airport originating was Shanghai, China, but it didn't show UK airport.

I hopefully receive my items on Wednesday.

I've spoken to others, and they all seem to be ordering stuff from Chinese sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU as well as other sites, of course such as AMAZON.

Sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU have bombarded the Internet and social media sites over the last few months. I think this is one of the factors behind the ever increasing amount of cargo flights from China into the UK.

There's obviously supply chain issues, the conflict in the Middle East as well as the Red Sea that's also a driver behind the increase in cargo flights but these extremely cheap Chinese sites are definitely making an impact in my opinion.

Edit... For example. There are six cargo flights from China to London Stansted on Tuesday.

China Southern Cargo... three arrivals from Guangzhou and one from Shanghai.

Geodis Air Network...one arrival from Chongquin.

Hong Kong Air Cargo...one arrival from Hong Kong.

Of course, it's just a bubble for now.

[mufc4evr]

It's not one of the factors it's literally THE factor in the freighter flights. I work in the industry and forwarders in china will get told "400 cube for London is ready" for example and it needs to go yesterday.

EK is an LHR slot issue. Could be for the summer could be for a few weeks

[pabely]

Edit... For example. There are six cargo flights from China to London Stansted on Tuesday.

China Southern Cargo... three arrivals from Guangzhou and one from Shanghai.

Don't believe all that shows on FR24 - but I agree traffic is booming!

[ATNotts]

Don't believe all that shows on FR24 - but I agree traffic is booming!
Indeed, looking at STN arrivals yesterday three flights actually operated from five listed.

Personally I don't order Chinese tat from any of the Chinese sites, neither do I buy more than a couple of times a year from Amazon but I know many that do, and unless the UK is going to fall out with China big time the growth is going to continue. Neither of the Chinese players hold stocks in UK so given the "must have it now" culture the air cargo market is going to thrive. BHX will hopefully hold on to their share that in the run up to Christmas that will surely become only more frenetic.

As has been said cargo from the Far East can only be bouyed by the Red Sea issues that show no signs of abating, despite the best (?) efforts of the UK and US.

[Sotonsean]

With reference to my previous post 770.

I received my order from SCHEIN today. Tracking showed that it arrived at LHR on Sunday from Shanghai.

This was my first order from the Chinese online retailer SCHEIN. I tried the site out for the first time and ordered 4 Polo shirts.

They look and feel absolutely cheap as hell. Very disappointed but what was I expecting for £20. Might put them in the local charity shop as I can't see myself wearing them.

Needless to say that I won't be ordering anymore items from these cheap Chinese online retailers. What with the carbon footprint for just £20.

[Sotonsean]

I can't attach the link but I'm currently watching an excellent film on YouTube from the 04 April 1984.

It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.

Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".

Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.

[OltonPete]

I can't attach the link but I'm currently watching an excellent film on YouTube from the 04 April 1984.

It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.

Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".

Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.

Shocked I must have been edited out but I was a spotty teenager at the time (albeit for a few days) and it did go out before 9pm watershed :ouch: but saw some familiar faces including a friend/work colleagues.

The thing is it was so quiet most of that day but when I first viewed the terminal in the January or February 1984 my first thought was where was the rest of it, they only built half and of course in true British fashion it was clear it was way too small after the first summer. Great design as well, 4 bars and no cellar :confused:, cost hundreds of pounds of lost beer when cleaning the pipes as allegedly it was one of the longest runs from the improvised cellar to the bar. Never short of anyone volunteering to change a barrel as that took you off the front line for ages :).

Some good people and characters in that lot some no longer with us (Sir Bob Taylor, Rod Clark & Tiny from the spotters area I believe). The actual official opening by the Queen was a more memorable day for me personally, having the Queens staff take over our work area, the senior bar manager cutting his thumb as lets say he had one or two whilst serving the local dignitaries (after QE 2 had departed) and I was nominated to take over and getting equally tipsy (Sir Bob insisted drinks for all but he was that kind of top man :) )and then having to work the late shift. I never drunk so much black coffee in a couple of hours in my life before or after :rolleyes:.It just wouldn't happen these days.

Pete

[chaps1954]

Not a chance Pete lol!

[jethro15]

I was lucky enough to have worked within the old terminal building back in the 70’s. Back then, it was a family atmosphere where everyone knew everyone irrespective of department.

I went one two visits to the ‘new’ terminal building prior to opening for familiarisation. I cannot convey how disappointed the vast majority of staff who were astonished in the ‘new’ facilities.

I was also there on duty when this video was taken,

The area outside international arrivals was no larger than what was being left behind. However, some bright spark decided to install NCP carpark machines within, which caused bottlenecks. Needless to say, they did not remain in situ very long.

Anyone arriving on an international flight who required wheelchair assistance had to be pushed up the ramp to the departure lounge to gain access to the lift to take them to the ground floor. This ramp was 3 degrees below the maximum permitted allowance, (A concern that was challenged, yet was dismissed). It was long! I was often called upon to assist a demure female who was unable to undertake her task.

Oh, and the bar on the first floor – they forgot the piping for the beer pumps!

Then there were the four airbridges that were reclaimed from a field in Sweden, which had been placed there as not fit for purpose!

We moved over to the 'new' building and the 'family' atmosphere was lost, and attuites changed. So sad.

As an aside, the Humber Monoplane replica (BAPC9) which (Hangs/hung?) in the main foyer was replaced from the original idea of a replica Spitfire. The later being thought of offensive to international visitors. (I was on night duty when it was hauled up).

Times change and we must learn to live with changes no matter how hard we find it difficult to conform. My problem is with Birmingham’s historical development in that it was overseen in the 70’s/80’s by someone who had no comprehension of how an airport worked, or had any regard towards his staff! (I have first-hand knowledge).

I’m old school, opportunities were lost at an early stage. Yet BHX still continues to expand in more ways than one under new management (At all levels) beyond my comprehension.

[Sotonsean]

I'm so pleased that the video has stirred so many memories from that period in time. I'm personally pleased that I posted it as I knew that it would draw interest from a few on here.

Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.

[OltonPete]

I'm so pleased that the video has stirred so many memories from that period in time. I'm personally pleased that I posted it as I knew that it would draw interest from a few on here.

Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.

I think such memories will also bring up "what might have been" or "lack of foresight" and whilst it is difficult to criticise those in charge at the time on a human level certainly on business level it does look like a missed opportunity considering there was a blank canvas (land not money) but of course financially the late 70's and and early 80's were a rollercoaster. Now it would beggar belief that you would not incorporate a railway station that was already built into the terminal rather than spending hundreds of thousand (millions even?) on a failed people mover.

On a personal level I agree with Jethro that everything changed overnight after the move, gone the spare time during split shifts playing pool in the canteen, evening breaks in the Silver Wings (Gibbo and all), not that was often my bag, more the seniors of the team and BA staff :).

The old terminal was a great place to work but for passenger experience it was at best quaint and often a nightmare although some would say the latter is still true for the new terminal.

Jethro - I used to help with the pipe cleaning in the bars and it still makes me smile how the cellar got missed - classic planning. Very few I worked with thought very much of the new facilities during the show arounds before it opened.

Pete

[ATNotts]

I can't believe just how many jackets and ties there were back then, and not only on business people!! It is noticeable that while BBC presenters have hardly changed their attire in 40 years passengers have definitely adopted shall we say, a more casual approach - sometimes too casual perhaps.

All the wonderful talk about how the terminal was designed so that passengers could always see the aircraft, nowadays you're hard pressed to see any until you're at the gate!

[LTNman]

Seems the airport can’t cope with too many passengers.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-passengers-claim-chaos-28995017?gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ARTJ-U_X0H0CkzSvSvilC0qEguzHI34rtMwNBASkLVmpEg5U6CiDC_ul43yAmmyV6 hU%3D&utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMJvTowIwjMDVAg&utm_content=bullets&gaa_ts=661d2365&gaa_sig=OEH1-hr1ignKiLo7SUaUHiQEAo2lAbVwFxb4IJTzUR-ygYRWGLWWL6BNpgIx3a6GUpBi7sZc3TusYI-mWlFYyA%3D%3D

[ATNotts]

Seems the airport can’t cope with too many passengers.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-passengers-claim-chaos-28995017?gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ARTJ-U_X0H0CkzSvSvilC0qEguzHI34rtMwNBASkLVmpEg5U6CiDC_ul43yAmmyV6 hU%3D&utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMJvTowIwjMDVAg&utm_content=bullets&gaa_ts=661d2365&gaa_sig=OEH1-hr1ignKiLo7SUaUHiQEAo2lAbVwFxb4IJTzUR-ygYRWGLWWL6BNpgIx3a6GUpBi7sZc3TusYI-mWlFYyA%3D%3D
Doesn't read well does it? Caveat is that its an online article in a "Reach" publication that includes in it's stable the Daily Express and Mirror. Their stories often don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. That said, there's seldom smoke without fire.

At least BHX appears on track with the new security scanners which is more than can be said for larger airports that really should have no excuses.

[chaps1954]

Sorry ATNotts Can`t agree with you on security scanners, can only speak for MAN T2 is doing ok well on the way but T1 is on verge of closing and T3 is very small. At 2.5 tons per machine is causing
a lot of problems.

[OltonPete]

Seems the airport can’t cope with too many passengers.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-passengers-claim-chaos-28995017?gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ARTJ-U_X0H0CkzSvSvilC0qEguzHI34rtMwNBASkLVmpEg5U6CiDC_ul43yAmmyV6 hU%3D&utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMJvTowIwjMDVAg&utm_content=bullets&gaa_ts=661d2365&gaa_sig=OEH1-hr1ignKiLo7SUaUHiQEAo2lAbVwFxb4IJTzUR-ygYRWGLWWL6BNpgIx3a6GUpBi7sZc3TusYI-mWlFYyA%3D%3D

What would they make of my little story. Even at my age I can easily walk the 6 floors at work to my desk, all on my own, nobody holding my hand or supplying me oxygen but at BHX I have to go to the special assistance point to be escorted up one flight of stairs :=.

If you want to be taken seriously as a professional organisation that is not the way to do it. In fairness there is a reason, ironically probably based on self-inflicted health n safety concerns during the construction work, which in my opinion could also cause other health safety issues in itself (I saw barricades against staircases).

However if you take the first paragraph alone you really couldn't really make it up. An airport without stairs, of course that isn't quite true but still funny on the one hand, all I wanted to do was catch the monorail to railway station, how difficult can that be (they insist in this totalitarian state you must use the lifts)..... and before you ask, I declined and walked all on my own:).

Pete

[MDS]

It's baffling how airport management signed off on removing all escalators/staircases and opted to make passengers queue to use service lifts to reach security.

I flew through on Friday and it took half an hour with fast track but I dread to think how long people in the other (very long) queues had to wait.

It would have been different had they made a good faith effort to open all security lanes but yet only half were operational, the rest collecting dust.

If it's not resolved by the summer holidays then I foresee a nightmare for many unsuspecting travellers.

[daz211]

Looks like BHX is currently closed due Aer Lingus ATR declaring an emergency and and returning to the Airport,a few divisions MAN and EMA with Lufthansa returning to FRA.

[OltonPete]

Looks like BHX is currently closed due Aer Lingus ATR declaring an emergency and and returning to the Airport,a few divisions MAN and EMA with Lufthansa returning to FRA.

Appears to be a security incident relating to the ATR nil fire cover. Bus went up to the alpha loop where the aircraft cleared to pick the pax up but still not resolved

Pete

[jethro15]

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

[Doors to...]

Wow BHX really having problems at the moment, looks like an Airport to avoid for the Summer.

[nwoody2001]

It's baffling how airport management signed off on removing all escalators/staircases and opted to make passengers queue to use service lifts to reach security.

I flew through on Friday and it took half an hour with fast track but I dread to think how long people in the other (very long) queues had to wait.



I don't think that's what BHX "Opted" for... making people queue on the ground floor is a temporary solution to limit crowd control into an area which is limited and constrained due to construction works. Once the construction works are done and the security area open, lifts will be opened and pax flows through the lifts will be allowed to move freely. Simple as...

Roll on June and the opening of the new security area...

[MidlandsWanderer]

[QUOTE Roll on June and the opening of the new security area...[/QUOTE]

May half term is defintely one to be avoided!

[BobBHX]

I departed BHX late afternoon on Monday. I was in a wheelchair from the special assistance area so got through security quite quickly. However I heard an airport staff member tell the lady pushing me that the wait was 90 mins.

[Local Variation]

I departed BHX late afternoon on Monday. I was in a wheelchair from the special assistance area so got through security quite quickly. However I heard an airport staff member tell the lady pushing me that the wait was 90 mins.

Went through yesterday morning at 5-30am.

From entering the service lift to clearing security took 1 hour including not moving for 15 mins on immediately exiting the lift.

I was surpised to get through in an hour tbh as the scene on exiting the lift was grim. There was a resigned silence amongst the masses.

Passengers were being pulled out the queue to make flights. Not all the scanners were in operation and we were told not to take anything at all out of our bags for the scanners.

[GayFriendly]

Used to love flying from BHX: with it being my local airport, I've flown from there countless times. Now I dread it. Even before this construction shambles, security queues were bad. I'm absolutely dreading what I will face on Sunday when I fly out. It will be my last flight out of BHX until I hear that the new security facilities are both open and have put an end to 1 hour plus waiting in a queue. In May I've booked to fly out of EMA instead (to a destination served from BHX), despite the slightly longer journey to get to the airport.

[jon01]

Used to love flying from BHX: with it being my local airport, I've flown from there countless times. Now I dread it. Even before this construction shambles, security queues were bad. I'm absolutely dreading what I will face on Sunday when I fly out. It will be my last flight out of BHX until I hear that the new security facilities are both open and have put an end to 1 hour plus waiting in a queue. In May I've booked to fly out of EMA instead (to a destination served from BHX), despite the slightly longer journey to get to the airport.

We hear too many of the bad experiences and not enough of the good ones!

Have you considered the Express Lane for security at £5 or arriving early?

I flew out on a Wednesday morning easyJet to AMS a couple of weeks ago with cabin baggage only, arrived at the International Railway Station at 06:00 for a 08:00 flight where I left the car, got the Air-Rail Link to the terminal then stepped out straight into the fairly short queue for security, no lifts! We were through in 20 minutes

I can't wait for my next BHX flight, hopefully I will be through in 10 minutes next time with the improved system

[ATNotts]

We hear too many of the bad experiences and not enough of the good ones!

Have you considered the Express Lane for security at £5 or arriving early?

I flew out on a Wednesday morning easyJet to AMS a couple of weeks ago with cabin baggage only, arrived at the International Railway Station at 06:00 for a 08:00 flight where I left the car, got the Air-Rail Link to the terminal then stepped out straight into the fairly short queue for security, no lifts! We were through in 20 minutes

I can't wait for my next BHX flight, hopefully I will be through in 10 minutes next time with the improved system
Why should anyone have to, or even be offered the opportunity to pay anything to get through what is (another) impediment to air travel? As a cynic I just see congestion as verging on deliberate to create a revenue stream while also saving staff costs.

Charging for fast lanes isn't exclusively a BHX thing, its more a "rip off Britain" symptom.

[UnderASouthernSky]

Why should anyone have to, or even be offered the opportunity to pay anything to get through what is (another) impediment to air travel? As a cynic I just see congestion as verging on deliberate to create a revenue stream while also saving staff costs.

Charging for fast lanes isn't exclusively a BHX thing, its more a "rip off Britain" symptom.

If everyone buys a fast lane ticket, then you're back to square 1.

[ATNotts]

If everyone buys a fast lane ticket, then you're back to square 1.
Absolutely right, but the bank balance looks much healthier until the scheme gets rumbled!

[Doors to...]

Used BHX a while ago...never again !!! it always feels like a "hochpotch" of an Airport.

[Seb2996]

Anyone now when the ROM 747 is due to leave?

[BobBHX]

Went through yesterday morning at 5-30am.

From entering the service lift to clearing security took 1 hour including not moving for 15 mins on immediately exiting the lift.

I was surpised to get through in an hour tbh as the scene on exiting the lift was grim. There was a resigned silence amongst the masses.

Passengers were being pulled out the queue to make flights. Not all the scanners were in operation and we were told not to take anything at all out of our bags for the scanners.

I passed through at about 0545 in early March and there was hardly any queue. I suspect you were caught up in the tail end of the 0600 onwards departures which I just managed to miss.

[OltonPete]

Anyone now when the ROM 747 is due to leave?

Tech

Pete

[GayFriendly]

Arrived at BHX 08.30 yesterday morning (Sunday). Was checked in for my TUI flight, through security and having a coffee in Pret a Manger in less than 20 mins. Was gobsmacked as was expecting it to be horrendous. Good job BHX!

[VickersVicount]

Arrived at BHX 08.30 yesterday morning (Sunday). Was checked in for my TUI flight, through security and having a coffee in Pret a Manger in less than 20 mins. Was gobsmacked as was expecting it to be horrendous. Good job BHX!
…just wait til summer starts in earnest…

[GayFriendly]

Vickers Viscount: I deliberately picked this week for a holiday as it's after the Easter rush and before Jet2 and TUI (and others) start their full on summer schedules in first week of May

I don't intend to see any of the potential chaos, I don't fly anywhere for leisure Jun-Sep, too busy and too damned expensive!

[xanda_man]

Bit of an odd experience myself yesterday as it now appears that some of the new area is open and there are now two security areas.

Having arrived via the monorail I joined the main queue for security upstairs at the exit of the lifts and from experience I knew this was going to be a hell of a wait so opted to go through security via the 'Jet2 entrance' in the smaller terminal as by 7am most of the bucket and spade flights will have gone through already. This was a massive mistake on my part as the wait times were horrific even just to get in the security area (in excess of an hour) and once I finally got through there were only 4 scanners in operation which explained the delays but at this point I was non the wiser so stuck with it. However I then noticed that nobody was arriving from the opposite end, up the long corridor of doom, as they usually would from the main security entrance and now the existing security area is only servicing the Jet2 entrance and those requiring assistance.

Whilst waiting there was a security announcement for 'Lanes 7 & 8 in Security Area - Old' and then just before the entrance to the duty free slalom there's a new corridor where the passengers from the main terminal were exiting the other security area.

With a bit of hindsight I should have stuck with the main queue and I'd be able to share an entirely different experience here but as it is I do not recommend trying to cheat by using the other entrance as my plan backfired massively :rolleyes:

[pabely]

Not good when things hit UK national news
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cle0x9181neo

[nwoody2001]

It hasn't made the national news. its in the Birmingham and Black Country Regional section!

[ATNotts]

It hasn't made the national news. its in the Birmingham and Black Country Regional section!
But Simon Calder is on the case in The Independent.

These days its difficult to be sure just how bad things are as people tend to "take to social media" when there's a problem (for them) but few bother to do likewise when they have enjoyed a good experience.

BHX isn't alone, STN has been mentioned too, and you don't need a long memory to recall the kickings MAN had!

[LTNman]

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-passengers-miss-flights-29082268?gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ARTJ-U994Q5SlrSLc5T7f6syXjMt3y8TbJ7xZUEAksFSqalp0bnNH7pcE2tCr7gn0 UU%3D&gaa_ts=6630f700&utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMLrZpQIwp-TXAg&utm_content=bullets&gaa_sig=L5MyAnP79qa0sGTPZ3TGcnEQoqPthh5ux0x9OHRjhgqWSsupXfXc aVfELR2uZ2NSlvYRlOk9k5c92iDI0062Ag%3D%3D

The airport is getting a reputation, as it had the same problems last year.

[ATNotts]

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-airport-passengers-miss-flights-29082268?gaa_at=la&gaa_n=ARTJ-U994Q5SlrSLc5T7f6syXjMt3y8TbJ7xZUEAksFSqalp0bnNH7pcE2tCr7gn0 UU%3D&gaa_ts=6630f700&utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCMLrZpQIwp-TXAg&utm_content=bullets&gaa_sig=L5MyAnP79qa0sGTPZ3TGcnEQoqPthh5ux0x9OHRjhgqWSsupXfXc aVfELR2uZ2NSlvYRlOk9k5c92iDI0062Ag%3D%3D

The airport is getting a reputation, as it had the same problems last year.
This year's problems are rooted in as yet unfinished improvements. Most major airports have suffered reputational issues probably stemming from putting profit before customers.

For BHX's sake it is to be hoped that once the work is completed, in time for the main summer period things will improve markedly.

[eggc]

Arrived at BHX 08.30 yesterday morning (Sunday). Was checked in for my TUI flight, through security and having a coffee in Pret a Manger in less than 20 mins. Was gobsmacked as was expecting it to be horrendous. Good job BHX!

08:30 ! Everything has left by 08:30. If you cant get through airport security easily at that time of day its time to give up. Now if you had said 0530 then I'd be impressed.

[MARK 101]

Know people love to comment and speak to the media , but a worrying number of people I know are vowing to avoid BHX .
Whilst It probably wont actually happen but bosses should be slightly concerned .
Be interesting if EMA starts to see an increase in numbers.
Would imagine the airlines might start to put the heat on as well

[FRatSTN]

Airlines are not just going to up sticks and move traffic from BHX to EMA because of security queues. The only way that would happen realistically is if BHX reduced their capacity declaration and forced airlines to reduce their schedules, and even that would only be short term.

At the end of the day, airlines are operating in a commercially competitive environment and somebody like Ryanair are not going to sacrifice market share at BHX and allow others like EasyJet and Jet2 to take their capacity.

[MARK 101]

Airlines are not just going to up sticks and move traffic from BHX to EMA because of security queues. The only way that would happen realistically is if BHX reduced their capacity declaration and forced airlines to reduce their schedules, and even that would only be short term.

At the end of the day, airlines are operating in a commercially competitive environment and somebody like Ryanair are not going to sacrifice market share at BHX and allow others like EasyJet and Jet2 to take their capacity.
was thinking more where there is an overlap on certaon leisure routes, rather than uproutiing.
if the same route is available ex EMA then it may be an issue
Hope that BHX will get back on track as soon as possible

[Flying Wild]

Security staff needed at airport plagued by delayshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0340jl4gzno

Birmingham Airport said on Monday that a technical problem had compounded its peak departure period.

Technically, they are short at least 100 security staff... Technically, someone has c*$ked up the planning. Will anything change? Not likely.

[Flying Hi]

Airlines are not just going to up sticks and move traffic from BHX to EMA because of security queues. The only way that would happen realistically is if BHX reduced their capacity declaration and forced airlines to reduce their schedules, and even that would only be short term.

At the end of the day, airlines are operating in a commercially competitive environment and somebody like Ryanair are not going to sacrifice market share at BHX and allow others like EasyJet and Jet2 to take their capacity.
R Remember the other dide of the coin - those things called Passengers. These 4 pax gave up on BHX around 2018 (endless queues ad the whole place with all the charm of a Shopping mall) land now travel an extra 20 miles each way to get our Jet2 flights. OK not the most salubrious of airports but we have yet to queue in the BHX sense and it has a much more pleasant stmosphere.
Maybe BHX will be happy to lose passengers - it'll keep the queues down.

​​​​

[OltonPete]

08:30 ! Everything has left by 08:30. If you cant get through airport security easily at that time of day its time to give up. Now if you had said 0530 then I'd be impressed.

I arrived 04.15 at BHX Sunday and was in the departure lounge by 04.25 with plenty of departures. I had bought a fast track pass weeks before but it wasn't required. I did arrive via the monorail avoiding the lift farce, however passengers without fast track were not taking much longer and an added bonus was that liquids remained in your hand luggage and the new scanners were working but I appreciate it was totally different 24 hours later.

Arrival today was also good but that was at a quiet time.

Ironically one of the better return trips I have ever had but realise if you can't have a smooth arrival at 09.05 on a Wednesday you might as well pack up and go home but all things considered, Sunday was decent.

The lift/staircase issue is pathetic and the airport surely should have been able to do better.

Pete

[alstaff]

Traveled put from bhx on 17th April arrived at the airport 6.30 for a 9.30 flight (ls1229) finally cleared security at 8.20 shocking queues and chaotic scenes. Plane was delayed waiting for passengers caught up in the chaos.

[LTNman]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr7z907ndlo

Birmingham Airport bank holiday travel warning

[ATNotts]

LTNman,

Last years bogie airport was MAN, this summer, certainly the first part. If BHX doesn't sort this fiasco out in time for the Spring BH rush the mud may possibly stick.

How they could ever have thought that using lifts and making stairs a virtually impossible option frankly beggars belief. What were they thinking. For heaven's sake, God gave us legs!

[Local Variation]

Went through again this week. Better than last time, but not great.

From my 2 recent experiences, the bottlenecks are not the service lifts. But the lack of available working scanners. That takes the queue back to the lifts.

Get the scanners in place with the right manpower so that the lines are open and it ‘should’ work fine (providing this new technology is reliable day in day out).

Listening to a member of the security staff talking to enquiring customers. He was cockily talking along the lines of becomming the UKs No 1 airport for passenger ease and speed of baggage security scanning clearance come the summer. Was probably a Villa fan.

[alstaff]

The airports treatment of the paying public is quite abysmal at times yet they seem to still be making a few quid with fast track whist most stand and suffer.

[ATNotts]

The airports treatment of the paying public is quite abysmal at times yet they seem to still be making a few quid with fast track whist most stand and suffer.
That can be said for pretty well all major airports.

[Local Variation]

That can be said for pretty well all major airports.

I remember a former colleague once mentioning their view that airports treat the airlines as their customer, not the passengers.

Maybe an over simplified view at first hand, but maybe not when when you break down the customer experience journey, particularly security.

A number of years ago at the same BHX, I was approached by a security junior whilst in the queue and asked about my experience.

I wasn’t in any rush and calmly gave her candid feedback which she refuted and became agitated. “I am not going to argue with you Sir!!”, was a wholly bizarre escalation on her behalf. Don’t approach and VOC me if you don’t want to hear my experiences.

I shut the conversation down advising her I was a customer with choice. She didn’t get it. Didn’t get it at all.

Maybe it was her cocky father we met earlier this week.

[OltonPete]

It appears Venice is changing to Treviso from Marco Polo twice a week.

It isn't fully bookable but using the usual trick of searching Lodz and changing the last three letters of the web address from LCJ to TSF you can find the days and times for Treviso

Monday 09:30 - 14.25 from 28/10/24

Saturday 15:40 - 20:35

Plodiv - weekly

Saturday 05:45 - 13:10 from 2/11/24

Lodz - 2 per week

07:45 - 13:10 Monday from 28/10/24

06:15 - 11:40 Saturday

Although there isn't concrete evidence of 7 based Friday - Monday (Tuesday - Thursday is very light) it is a record schedule for winter at BHX in respect of Ryanair in terms of the number of flights (around 155)

More rumoured as well.

Other routes

Santander & Girona are the only two losses as yet and the CAA figures for last winter will give the reason why this is not a surprise

It appears Toulouse, Bordeaux and Arlanda stay seasonal along with Zadar, Ibiza, Reus, Pisa and Perpignan plus the Greek flights of course.

Increases on Last winter include Alicante 9-10 per week, Malta 3 to 4 per week, Budapest 2 to 3 per week plus add in Berlin (2) Agadir (2) Marrakech (2) LDY (2), Beauvais (7), Tirana (2).

Grenoble and Turin revert to weekly from two per week. Might be more but still sifting through the schedule.

Summer 24 - A third Toulouse added on a Wednesday from July to the route ends on a based aircraft replacing Dublin which is now away based

Pete

[GayFriendly]

Thanks for the FR update OP!

Good news and I reckon there might be some more new routes.

I do wonder how the BVA is doing? Fares are very light over the next couple of months - but clearly doing well enough to stay at daily or is there an incentive in place?

Interesting to see that (depending on day and time) AF have some very good deals BHX-CDG I guess in reaction to EZY and FR. The mid morning tends to be the priciest but I've picked up a single on Fri afternoon in late June for cheaper than EZY.

Treviso is a very handy airport to fly into - much cheaper hotels than Venice, regular, quick trains to Venice, making it a very easy day trip (and easy train connections to Verona, Milan etc) and a small airport that's a quick cab ride from Treviso itself.

[GayFriendly]

Have seen some online news reports suggesting PIA are due to restart flights to Paris in June and the UK (no specific airports mentioned) from August 24th. Who knows if this will happen but one to watch and if they do, let's hope BHX are part of their plans.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Why are Emirates Skycargo operating their long standing LHR services to BHX? Any ideas? Qatar Cargo have also moved to STN. Did Emirates move the cargo slots to the make the new B77W rotation a daily one?

[simoncorbett]

LHR slot restrictions as they are concentrating on long established cargo & pax flights after covid allowed additional freight flights to start
Airlines are having to re apply for slots etc

[FQTLSteve]

Good to se that Easyjet have officially made a statement that the new BHX base (and ALC too) is performing well above the network average. It was included in the statement regarding the retirement of the CEO. Positive news and hopefully a prosperous and expanding future.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

LHR slot restrictions as they are concentrating on long established cargo & pax flights after covid allowed additional freight flights to start
Airlines are having to re apply for slots etc
Emirates WAS a long established cargo flight, been twice weekly for many years.

[OltonPete]

Good to se that Easyjet have officially made a statement that the new BHX base (and ALC too) is performing well above the network average. It was included in the statement regarding the retirement of the CEO. Positive news and hopefully a prosperous and expanding future.

Loads are a piece of cake to monitor but of course yield’s impossible due to the mix of flight only and packages. Loads on the majority routes are very good even early season and more importantly on the weekly flights which I was sceptical about.

Some flights indicate they could have taken more capacity and others maybe could do better operating on different days or times such as Milan which is away based twice a week Monday & Thursday.

it is a fascinating schedule some aircraft getting two to three hour turnaround times and most back before midnight at an airport that up until now doesn’t use all it’s night slot allowance. I wonder if this will change next summer.

Diversions

A couple of oddballs this week - A Manchester -Heathrow shuttle due night closure at the latter. Something clearly happened here last minute as it departed Manchester 22.58. Currently a Swiss 777 Boston - Zurich planned tech stop in a few hours. Update the latter is Miami - Zurich diverted Boston and thus crew hours probably the issue with possibly a replacement crew flown in on ZRH - BHX this morning.

Freight

Still strong with Silkway MNG, Georgian, Emirates, Star Air/Maersk and National earlier in the week. Also JLR priority freight woke up a bit this week after a long quiet period.

Appears no Champions League overspill flights which I suppose would be a last resort and understandable after doing the coach journey from Wembley the last two weekends, it is okay but not ideal.

Pete

[eggc]

LHR slot restrictions as they are concentrating on long established cargo & pax flights after covid allowed additional freight flights to start
Airlines are having to re apply for slots etc

SPD Travels reported earlier this week that Emirates Cargo has slots again at MAN for these flights from June 1st and that DNATA at MAN has just received a load of equipment to handle them, so there maybe more to this episode than previous ones which never saw them wheels on the ground at MAN.

[ATNotts]

SPD Travels reported earlier this week that Emirates Cargo has slots again at MAN for these flights from June 1st and that DNATA at MAN has just received a load of equipment to handle them, so there maybe more to this episode than previous ones which never saw them wheels on the ground at MAN.
Does DNATA need special equipment to handle a 777 Freighter?

Clearly cargo doesn't have much of a say as to where it starts or finishes its journey, but if its being trucked to or from London then moving the flights further north makes little logistical sense.

Still it remains to be seen if MAN has more luck with Emirates than Air China.

[LTNman]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/live-birmingham-airport-updates-huge-29188491


Hundreds of people in the security queue at Birmingham Airport are queuing out of the front entrance on Friday, leaving holidaymakers furious.


The photo paints a thousand words but at least it wasn’t raining.

[ATNotts]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/live-birmingham-airport-updates-huge-29188491




The photo paints a thousand words but at least it wasn’t raining.
Its a total c0ck up and heads need to roll, not that rolling heads are going to solve the chaos in the short term.

[eggc]

Does DNATA need special equipment to handle a 777 Freighter?.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but I am sure MAN had nobody there that had equipment capable of handling wide bodied cargo aircraft...why would they just to sit about getting rusty as MAN hasnt had wide bodied cargo flights for years. DNATA now has, apparently.

[Doors to...]

What an absolute disgraceful shambles at BHX, have used the Airport a couple of times, NEVER AGAIN!

[ATNotts]

Forgive me if I am wrong, but I am sure MAN had nobody there that had equipment capable of handling wide bodied cargo aircraft...why would they just to sit about getting rusty as MAN hasnt had wide bodied cargo flights for years. DNATA now has, apparently.
I find that really difficult to believe, but perhaps its true. But then where is the business case for bringing in main deck handling equipment on a promise of a couple of 777s a week, until LHR slots can be secured?

[GayFriendly]

My friend and his partner were stuck in this latest BHX shambles today and had to queue outside before queuing for ages inside. Despite arriving 3 hours before take off made their EZY flight to Kos by the skin of their teeth. They are regular (worldwide) fliers and BHX will not feature in their travel plans for the foreseeable.They said they have never experienced such a shambolic and disorganised situation anywhere, with no information being given or staff on hand to help.

My sister who lives in Berlin was delighted about the new EZY/FR flights to BHX. But the news about BHX through the joy that is social media has spread, for her next trip back she is flying to BHX but back from EMA.

Two isolated examples in thousands of monthly passengers but bad news travels far, far faster than it used to thanks to camera phones and social media and BHX has a PR disaster on its hands. These pictures just keep on coming

No one disputes the fact that new security facilities were needed and fingers crossed they will be every bit as good as we're being led to believe. But the plans to manage passenger flows and experience during the (seemingly never ending) construction works are woefully pitiful - no thought given at all to peak flow management of passengers through security: seriously, a couple of lifts, nowhere to queue when you get out of said lifts and a few scanners in operation when you finally make it to the security search area is shamefully inadequate. Did no one think that this was a s**t plan?

To add insult to injury, instead of apologising, BHX says they're taking advantage of the summery weather by letting passengers queue outside?!!! WTF?

God help passengers next week when more than likely it'll be pissing down again!!

[Balair]

[QUOTE=To add insult to injury, instead of apologising, BHX says they're taking advantage of the summery weather by letting passengers queue outside?!!! [/QUOTE]

Yes I thought that was priceless. Next thing they will be suggesting passengers bring camping stools and a picnic!

[ATNotts]

GF,

The good news is that most of the public have very poor memories. Look back two years and MAN was getting a terrible kicking, not only on social media, but also on mainstream, both broadcast and print. Did it disuade people from using MAN? Judging from the passenger numbers, probably not.

IF the design at BHX isn't unworkable, come the August peak, IF the work is completed, early S24 will be a memory that will have pretty well faded completely by the S25 "booking season".

If either of those "ifs" don't happen things could get serious.

[Rutan16]

Quite literally the structural issues at Birmingham and Manchester ( now easing) are fundamentally the results of a decade and half ( actually right back to 9/11) and governmental swings around security, impact assessments and latterly ending of FOM between the UK and our neighbours , oh and a certain Chatham tailed carriers leaving these markets .

The liberation of the EU market and flexible fare style carriers also massively impacted traffic ( in a good way) and the numbers of organic blobs have exponentially increased compared to the previous twenty years.

Of course now that business model in the UK does require a few tweaks to comply with the new rules.

Both airports infrastructure to the turn of the last millennium were incited and designed to accommodate the needs of that Chatham tailed carrier , both airports built infrastructure to allow for a hub for them with little indeed no friction between flight transfers.

The move to near passport free (The UK were expected to join Schengen at some point ) travel across the EU demanded little in the way of supporting infrastructure ( some would remain for none EU travel) inbound sure.

However changing departure security measures other than random bag checks and (some back of house profiling) simply weren’t addressed by airport operators largely because they were NOT CONSULTED nor adequately prepared by central government with time and funds ( typically British)

Some of the major issues neither airport could address within their infrastructure was that of segregation of arrivals and departures particularly within the EU . Consecutive administrations determined that only GB border clearances would be acceptable .

So you have infrastructure built with a limited friction design philosophy to smoothly and quickly move the passengers kerb and door in both directions now having to somehow implement massive changes at the behest of central government.

The results are here to see . Queues landslide at several airports and right now they aren’t going away and time soon.

Birminghams oldest terminal was designed to have several security points outbound and that was indeed great at the time . Not so much today , simply to many pinch points and a requirement for way to many security people .

The Euro terminal was never designed as a low cost terminal either.

[hec7or]

I think the euro terminal is being taken over by the red coloured holiday company and the low cost airlines are now mainly on the international terminal

[MARK 101]

I think the euro terminal is being taken over by the red coloured holiday company and the low cost airlines are now mainly on the international terminal
certainly used for departures , but what about arrivals? Afaik all Jet2 arrivals are bussed to main terminal.
certainly baggage reclaim in T2 is in noway adequate for holiday arrivals. Wonder what the plans are for this area,as it seems to be wasted space at the moment

[xanda_man]

certainly used for departures , but what about arrivals? Afaik all Jet2 arrivals are bussed to main terminal.
certainly baggage reclaim in T2 is in noway adequate for holiday arrivals. Wonder what the plans are for this area,as it seems to be wasted space at the moment

It's a mix. I came back with them from ALC in April and we arrived back in to T2. The tiny passport control area was a joke, 3 desks open for 3-4 flights full of people. Took around 45 mins.

When we got through we still had to wait for bags. Surprising for Jet2, usually have better experiences.

[Flying Wild]

The Euro terminal was never designed as a low cost terminal either.

Did the term low-cost carrier even exist back then?

[GayFriendly]

No it didn't - Eurohub as it was then called was designed for a flag carrier to get passengers from Scotland and Northern Ireland to cities across Europe via Birmingham at a time very different to now when EDI and GLA only had very limited direct services to European cities.

Fast forward a few years, BA ditch BHX, low cost then becomes a thing and it takes BHX about 15 years to catch up. Now it has it's bursting at the seams!