Birmingham Airport has been shut down and all flights suspended following a reported bomb threat.
Passengers have been urged not to travel to the airport as police officers respond to the “incident”. Eyewitnesses said travellers waiting in the terminals were evacuated suddenly when the alarm was raised early on Wednesday afternoon, reports the Mirror.
Passengers on flights who landed at the airport have reported being stuck on the runway. Cars arriving at the airport have also been turned away, and one snap from the scene saw police cars blocking the approach to the airport.
Those with flights booked from the airport this afternoon have been advised to contact their airline.
A tweet from the Birmingham Airport account at 1.34pm read: “West Midlands Police is currently on-site dealing with an incident. Airport operations are currently suspended. Passengers are advised to NOT come to the airport at this time. The Airport’s social media channels will be updated as and when the situation changes.”
Police said they were responding to reports of a “suspicious vehicle” seen on site and described the closure as a “precautionary measure”.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Birmingham Airport is currently being evacuated following a report of suspicious vehicle. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.” Some local buses and National Express services are also currently avoiding the airport.”
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