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Airport reopens following security incident on board Aer Lingus flight

Security alert during flight to Belfast forces Birmingham Airport to close

Niamh Campbell

Birmingham Airport has reopened to commercial traffic, with emergency crews stood down following an incident involving a ‘suspicious’ package on board an Aer Lingus flight.

The Aer Lingus flight, due to arrive at Belfast City Airport from Birmingham, was forced to return to its starting point at the UK airport, which was officially closed down "until further notice", before being reopened before 6.30pm.

The airport was closed while a bomb squad was tasked to the runway.

Passengers were seen being removed from the plane and escorted along the runway by police with four bomb disposal units on the scene.

Aer Lingus stated: “We can confirm that an undeclared item discovered on Aer Lingus Regional flight EI3647, operated by Emerald Airlines, from Birmingham to Belfast today was not a security risk.

"Our teams are currently working to accommodate impacted passengers.”

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Birmingham Airport reopened at 1800 hours following a security incident on an aircraft.

“All passengers and crew disembarked safely.

“Customers are advised to check with their airline, or on the Birmingham Airport website, before checking in due to potential delays.”