Birmingham Airport Prepares for Busiest February Half-Term Following Record January

Dublin, Alicante, and Amsterdam are amongst the most popular destinations that passengers are travelling to during the half-term break. Whilst domestically, Belfast is the top pick for the school holidays with a 31% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period last year.

Last month, the airport kickstarted 2026 by reporting its busiest January ever with a record 788,833 passengers handled – an increase compared to the same period last year. This followed the airport’s busiest ever year in 2025 with over 13.6 million passengers travelling through the regional transport hub.

As passengers prepare to jet off for their half-term holiday, Birmingham Airport is issuing its top tips to ensure passengers enjoy a smooth travel experience.

Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director of Birmingham Airport said: “We’re pleased to have kickstarted 2026 with continued growth in our passenger numbers at Birmingham Airport. Over 700,000 passengers chose to travel through BHX during our busiest January ever and we’re also anticipating our busiest February half-term on record.

“Ahead of this half-term period, we’re reminding our passengers to plan their journey in advance and take a look at our guidance to help them travel through the airport..”

Tips for the February Half-Term

Security

Liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to two litres are allowed loose in hand luggage, there is no limit on the number of containers that can be carried. However, passengers should always check the liquid restrictions with all airlines and airports that they will be travelling from and through on their outward and return journeys. As not all airports permit 2 litres yet.

Due to ongoing updates in safety guidelines and regulatory standards, items that were previously accepted may no longer be permitted. Passengers should check before travelling for advance advice given by airports from, and through, which you may travel

Vapes, e-cigarettes or devices containing lithium-ion batteries (such as DSLR cameras) are prohibited from hold luggage (checked bags). Whilst the majority of airlines permit such items to be carried in cabin baggage (carry-on), some airlines do not. It is advisable to always check with the airline. Contact details of all the airlines that operate at Birmingham Airport can be found in the Airport’s Airline Directory.

Liquids no longer need to be packed clear plastic bags. Liquids, pastes and gels, in containers up to 2 litres, should now be left in hand luggage during the security search.

All electrical items remain in hand luggage during the security search.

Please ensure any insulated bottles/flasks are emptied in advance of security. Refill stations are available once through security and are free of charge.

During the security search process please ensure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins, and tissues etc. Watches can be left on, but please be prepared to remove belts and shoes if requested.

Airline and Check-In

Each airline has its own check in time. Customers are reminded to turn up in line with when their check in opens. This detail can be found on their booking.

Customers travelling with Jet2, easyJet or TUI can drop their bags off the day before with the twilight service for early morning flights. Please check with the relevant airline for specific drop off times and eligibility.

Please ensure all personal belongings including luggage are kept on your person at all times.

Check in Zones in the terminal:

➡Zone A for Jet2 ➡Zone D for Emirates ➡Zones B & C for all other airlines Further Tips

We’ve had a variety of exciting new openings within our Departures Lounge over the past year including Popeyes Louisiana Chicken and most recently, Indian Brewery Company. You can plan ahead and check out menus for all our eateries and information on specific dietary requirements on our website here.

Finally, our website has a Frequently Asked Questions page which is a useful guide for customers to find the answers to common queries. Alternatively, our Customer Communication Agents are on hand to help via our digital live chat service on our website.

In recognition of the airport’s ongoing work to improve the passenger experience, Birmingham Airport was recently named the best medium-sized UK airport for leisure at the British Travel Awards 2025. In addition, the airport has further diversified its dining options for passengers with the opening of the Indian Brewery Company within the Departure Lounge. Located on the International Pier, the new restaurant, which is a local brand based in Birmingham, serves a fresh range of renowned craft beers including fan favourites such as “Juicy Mango Pale Ale” and “Pekok Lager” which will be available on tap, paired with an iconic range of Indian pizzas and breakfast naan sandwiches.

For the latest Birmingham Airport news, please visit the Media Centre here.

Route Data for February Half-Term

Top Routes