Airport under microscope after lapse, say experts

Birmingham Airport is at the centre of a probe by the UK's aviation regulator

Birmingham Airport faces questions from airlines across the world after security agents missed vital training, experts said.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating after staff employed by outsourcing giant Mitie were found to be non-compliant.

Ground security operatives, who screen hold luggage that is checked in by passengers, failed to attend refresher courses, the BBC revealed on Monday.

At least two managers were sacked by the contractor for "allowing untrained staff" to screen luggage before it was loaded onto aircraft.

The airport said it discovered the issues as part of its own compliance monitoring,

It later ordered Mitie to deliver full retraining to agents, supervisors and duty managers.

Experts have told the BBC that airlines and potentially international regulators are likely to demand answers.

One expert said airline companies and their civil aviation bodies could investigate

Paul Charles, a former director of Virgin Atlantic, called the lapses very unusual, describing them as a high profile breach.

"I think both passengers and airlines using Birmingham Airport will want reassurance from senior leadership that processes are now watertight," he said.

Salil Bhargav Colge, from University College Birmingham, described the situation as very serious for Mitie's reputation.

Mr Colge said it was not clear exactly how long the lapse was but it could lead to further investigation by airline companies and their civil aviation bodies.

"This seems like a failure of an internal process by the airport's compliance team," he added.

Sarah Barry, from Buckinghamshire New University, said there did not appear to be a risk to passengers but the incident would be at the front of the minds of airline bosses.

"That is their business," Ms Barry said.

"If they feel there has been a breakdown in any kind of safety or security aspect they will go to the operator of the airport to find out exactly what happened and convince themselves that changes have been put in place."

'Strict professional standards'

Birmingham Airport insisted the safety of customers was its top priority.

A statement said all passengers were screened and searched by its own security, with Mitie responsible for screening check-in luggage only.

"At no point did our third-party security contractor screen and search customers," an airport spokesperson said.

Mitie added it had carried out an investigation and made all employees complete a full five-day training course again.

"We have strict professional standards, including ensuring that all our colleagues have the correct training and accreditation needed to carry out their role safely," the firm said.

The CAA does not comment on individual cases.