Birmingham Airport has begun repairs to its baggage handling system in the south terminal after a technical issue caused outbound luggage delays for a fourth consecutive day. The airport moved to reassure passengers that operations remain stable and that contingency plans are working.
Technical issue disrupts luggage since Friday
The problem first emerged on Friday, August 7, when a technical fault affected the baggage system, leading to delays and some luggage not arriving with passengers at their destinations. Among those affected was Jamie Johnson, who travelled with her mother and two children to Gran Canaria. All of the family's luggage failed to turn up, forcing them to spend €400 on clothes, toiletries, and medication on Saturday, August 8.
On Sunday, August 9, a Birmingham Airport spokesperson acknowledged in a social media post that 'issues remain' with the baggage system. The airport has been working to resolve the problem since then.
Repairs begin in south terminal baggage area
To address the ongoing disruption, repair work started at 14:30 on Tuesday, August 11, in the south terminal's baggage area. While the work is underway, all remaining baggage will be screened and processed via the north section of the airport to ensure luggage is handled safely.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Baggage operations remain stable today (August 11) as recovery plans are continuing to prove successful. Passengers do not need to worry and should continue to arrive at the airport in line with the airline’s advice. We apologise to those who have been impacted by this issue in recent days but would like to reassure those flying today that confidence remains in contingency plans, with our people on hand to support in the terminal.”
Passengers advised to follow airline guidance
The airport has urged travellers to continue arriving according to their airline's instructions, despite the ongoing repairs. The statement from the spokesperson emphasised that recovery plans are proving effective and that staff are available in the terminal to assist passengers.
The baggage delays have caused inconvenience for many travellers over the past four days, with some families facing unexpected expenses abroad. The airport's repair work is expected to resolve the technical issue, but no completion date has been given. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates on their flights and baggage.
