Airport Strategy
Airport Surface Access Strategy 2023
Developing Surface Access
The Airport Surface Access Strategy sets out a framework for the development of surface access at the Airport. It reviews current surface access arrangements, recent trends on modal shares and sets new challenging modal share targets for the future.
The Strategy also outlines policies which will form the basis of detailed actions plans to help achieve future mode share targets. An air transport journey begins and ends with surface access and the Airport Company will work with its partners and the stakeholders to develop excellent surface access for the Airport and to make journeys to and from Birmingham Airport part of a seamless travel experience.
The latest version of our Airport Surface Access Strategy helps ensure a co-ordinated approach continues to be taken, addressing future requirements in a sustainable manner.
View our Airport Surface Access Strategy.
Master Plan 2018
The main focus of the Master Plan is on the 15 years to 2033 when we expect to be handing around 18 million passengers. To meet this rising demand, we plan to invest around 500 million to expand and improve the Airport, to transform the experience for our passengers and to improve the efficiency for our Airlines and partners.
To learn more about our vision for the future and download the Master Plan 2018 please click here.
The Midlands gateway to the world
Birmingham Airport is already the preferred national and international aviation hub for the Midlands and our ambition is to build on this to become one of Europe's leading regional airports, acting as a key economic accelerator, delivering great service to passengers, and helping to showcase the region.
What is the Master Plan
Birmingham Airport has published its Master Plan setting out what it will deliver over the next fifteen years to 2033.
The Airport is a catalyst for growth across the region driving economic benefit and creating jobs. We provide the connectivity that our businesses need to trade, export, and secure investment and we are proud to be a central part of this thriving region. We will invest to develop the Airport and grow; however, we understand that the significant social and economic benefits created by the Airport must be balanced with a sustainable operation. We take very seriously our responsibility to manage our impact on the environment and work together without communities to plan for the future.
Terminal Extension
As part of the Master Plan, Birmingham Airport is building a terminal extension to provide a larger departure lounge with glazed mezzanine, and improved baggage sortation facilities. In addition to the terminal extension, an enhanced check-in area is also being provided. This investment will deliver a vastly improved experience for our passengers.
The extension to the terminal will expand the size of our current departure lounge in the north terminal by almost 40%. This will create space, maximise natural light and transform it into a bright, modern and relaxing place for passengers. Essential facilities such as toilets, public seating, and circulation space will be significantly increased. In addition, there will be a range of expanded retail facilities and a glazed mezzanine floor where passengers can enjoy an improved range of bars and restaurants.
The extension also allows for improvement to our back of house baggage sortation systems generating significantly improved operational efficiency. On the ground floor, the enlarged check-in area will feel more spacious and will provide passengers with the latest technology to speed check-in and deliver great service.
Master Plan and Surface Access Strategy Consultation Report
You can find the Master Plan 2018-2033 and Airport Surface Access Strategy 2018-2023 here.
The report describes and analyses the consultation process undertaken by Birmingham Airport in relation to the Birmingham Airport draft Master Plan and Surface Access Strategy.
Master Plan 2007
The Airport Company launched its Airport Master Plan 'Towards 2030: Planning a Sustainable Future for Air Transport in the Midlands' in November 2007.
The Master Plan set out a framework for the sustainable development of Birmingham Airport up to 2030. It illustrated how the Airport intended to meet the regional demand for air travel over the plan period of 23 years. Sitting beside the Master Plan was the Airport Surface Access Strategy entitled 'Moving Together' (see the Surface Access Strategy section for more details).
The Midlands' Principal International Gateway
The Airport’s Master Plan was a response to the 2003 Government White Paper “The Future of Air Transport”, which projected the demand for aviation growth across the UK up until the year 2030. The strategic advantages of Birmingham Airport with its proximity to motorways and the rail network are recognised in the White Paper and it concluded that Birmingham Airport should continue to be developed as the Midlands’ principal international gateway.
The Master Plan set out a long term vision for the Airport and recognised the need to manage and mitigate the environmental impact of air transport and airport development.
The Master Plan included a number of Airport policies and development proposals, which were illustrated in phased implementation plans covering the period up to the year 2030. By meeting regional demand locally, the Airport will reduce unnecessary long-distance surface journeys to other UK airports and generate sustainable long term economic growth locally and regionally.