Passengers break liquids rule daily - airport boss

Many passengers have criticised Birmingham Airport for the long queues to get through security

Birmingham Airport has claimed passengers not following baggage rules could be adding 20 minutes to each person's journey through security.

It comes after the airport received criticism on social media for long queues through security.

A new government directive means airports across the country have temporarily reintroduced rules preventing passengers carrying liquids over 100ml in hand luggage.

Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: "A non-compliant bag with liquids over 100ml can add up to 20 minutes to each passenger's journey through security."

The reintroduced rules prevent passengers from leaving Birmingham Airport with liquids, pastes and gels in excess of 100ml in their hand luggage until further notice.

Birmingham Airport said it had been complying with the restriction already, due to an "outstanding regulatory approval on its new screening machines".

But despite having this 100ml rule in place, the airport claimed it was continually seeing daily non-compliant bags.

Mr Barton said: "Since opening our new security area, and despite being one of the first UK airports to comply, we have been limited on the use of our multi-million-pound equipment due to an outstanding regulatory restriction meaning we had to limit liquids to 100ml.

"Despite the 100ml rule still being in place, we continually have non-compliant bags with liquids over the allowance which have led to inefficiencies of our equipment and resulted in extended queuing time for customers.

"It is now imperative that all customers comply with the nationwide rule to ensure a smoother and simpler transition through the airport."

All travelling customers have been advised to check their hand luggage to ensure it complies with the new restrictions.

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