Birmingham Airport Prepares for Busiest October Half-Term Ever

The most popular destination for the autumn break is Dublin with passengers jetting off to explore the Irish capital. Other top destinations for half-term include sunshine spots such as Alicante, Dubai and Tenerife.  

Ahead of the half-term break, the airport has announced an itinerary of ‘spooktacular’ activities for Halloween. Younger passengers will be able to get hands-on and unleash their spooky creativity with an interactive drop-in Halloween arts and crafts workshop taking place from Monday 27^th to Wednesday 29^th October, between 0600-1400 hours, in the main Departures Lounge. A pair of creepy characters will also be ‘trick or treating’ in the terminal on Monday 27^th October to add to the festive fun. 

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

Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director of Birmingham Airport said: “As we head into the October half-term, we’re anticipating another record-breaking period for passenger traffic. This milestone record follows a significant period of investment and growth at Birmingham Airport which is resulting in ongoing redevelopment works across our site to improve customer experience. This week, our CEO announced further commitments to invest £300 million over the next four years.  Whilst passengers may notice more hoarding than usual when travelling through, we want to emphasise that there is no impact on operations, and these works are essential for creating an enhanced airport that is truly fit for the future.” 

Tips for the October Half-Term 

Security 

• We are aware that some passengers travel with Halloween gifts and ‘boo baskets’ at this time of year. However, please do avoid gift-wrapping any gifts as our security staff may have to unwrap items to fully screen them. 

• Liquid restrictions at Birmingham Airport have changed. You are allowed to carry liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to 2 litres 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 you will be travelling from and through on your outward and return journeys. As not all airports allow 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 

• To avoid any delays to your trip, never pack vapes, e-cigarettes or devices containing lithium-ion batteries (such as DSLR cameras) in your hold luggage (checked bags). Whilst the majority of airlines permit such items to be carried in your cabin baggage (carry-on), some airlines do not. Always check the ability to carry e-cigarettes or vapes within their cabins, with your airline. Contact details of all the airlines that operate at Birmingham Airport can be found in the Airport’s Airline Directory. 

• You are no longer required to pack your liquids within 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.  

• When going through security, 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 or TUI can drop their bags off the day before with the twilight service for flights departing before 12pm. Please check with the relevant airline for specific drop off times.  

• Please ensure all personal belongings including luggage are kept with you at all times in the airport. 

• 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 our award-winning Peaky Blinders themed bar, Shelby + Co, and, most recently, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken. 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.  

 Overview of October Half-Term Figure All data is for the period of Friday 24^th October to Sunday 2^nd November 2025.  

  Arriving Passengers: 222,620 

Departing Passengers:193,375 

Total: 415,995