Birmingham airport reopens following security incident onboard Belfast flight

An Aer Lingus Regional aircraft, bound for Belfast City airport, returned to Birmingham at around 4pm shortly after taking off following reports of a suspicious item onboard. The item was declared safe and the incident had been stood down by around 6pm, after which operations at BHX resumed.

A spokesperson for the carrier told TTG: "We can confirm 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 BHX spokesperson told the BBC: "The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew have disembarked. All customers due to travel should make their way to the airport and check in as normal."

The airport later tweeted shortly after 7pm: "Birmingham Airport reopened at 6pm following a security incident on an aircraft. All passengers and crew disembarked safely. Customers are advised to check with their airline before checking in due to potential delays."

Rail services to and from Birmingham International railway station were also temporarily suspended. Network Rail has confirmed all lines reopened shortly after 6pm, but warned passengers to expect delays on Tuesday evening.