Birmingham Airport proposes £2bn plan to boost capacity

Birmingham Airport has unveiled a £2 billion draft master plan aimed at handling around 30 million passengers, generating £3.6 billion in gross value added (GVA) for the West Midlands and creating more than 50,000 jobs, including 3,800 at the airport.

Over the next 15 years, the draft master plan outlines how Birmingham Airport can make better use of its existing runway capacity while improving passenger facilities and surface access. The plan, which is open for public consultation, also sets out how the airport intends to support nearby communities and manage future growth responsibly and sustainably, with community engagement at its core.

The draft master plan underlines Birmingham Airport’s commitment to serving the region and its communities. However, the airport has urged the government to provide a stable tax environment to encourage long-term shareholder investment and returns. The appeal comes amid continued uncertainty over valuations at English airports, with Birmingham Airport’s business rates bill having already doubled.

The first phase of development could begin next year, with investment planned for baggage facilities, aircraft stand reconfiguration and expansion, surface access and terminal facilities. Birmingham Airport will also launch an eight-week public consultation on 16 October, allowing stakeholders to share their views online, by post or at one of 20 public events.

“Birmingham Airport is the Midland's principal international Airport already facilitating and supporting trade, tourism, investment and employment in the region. As Birmingham is the UK’s second city, our future plans will help secure ongoing growth in the region, benefiting more people and businesses in the West Midlands with new jobs, better transport links and enhanced connectivity. The £2bn proposed investment is unprecedented at Birmingham Airport and will take our airport close to 30m passengers. This level of ambition sends a strong signal of support and confidence in our airport and wider region. We have a laser light focus on delivering sustainable growth that supports regional prosperity, while responding responsibly to the environmental challenges. This master plan will enable us to deliver on that ambition and ensure we are ready for the future,” said Nick Barton, Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Airport Limited.

“However, the delivery of this plan is reliant on a fair and stable taxation environment. It is a normal expectation that investments generate returns. This draft master plan comes at the same time where the airport is faced with increasing running costs from employment, energy and taxes. This planned growth over a 15-year period details the length of investment cycles at airports, and unless tax and regulatory environments are made more favourable and stable for major infrastructure investment, they may not materialise. Nor will the growth in the UK we all so badly need, in order to deliver our country’s potential.”

“We’re backing our aviation sector to continue growing, right across the country. Birmingham Airport’s master plan will be a massive boost to the West Midlands, unlocking investment and creating 50,000 well-paid local jobs to get people into employment. From the Midlands to the North and beyond, we're backing airport expansion that drives prosperity in every corner of Britain, whilst delivering cleaner flights with over £219 million invested in green fuels,” said Heidi Alexander, UK Transport Secretary.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “This ambitious master plan and the investment it will bring is a massive boost for the West Midlands economy. It’s set to bring thousands of new jobs, better international links, and unlock vital backing for local businesses and supply chains.This consultation gives local people and business owners a chance to have their say and help shape the airport's expansion so that it brings lasting benefits for our communities.”

The first public consultation event will take place in Hampton in Arden on 16 October. During the eight-week consultation period, Birmingham Airport will review feedback to identify key themes, issues and suggestions. A final report is expected in 2027, summarising the feedback received, how it was considered and how it has influenced the final master plan and future funding commitments.