Development projects

Following the move of security last year, the WDF store needs to be reconfigured to enhance passenger flow with a relocation of the exit into the Passenger Search Area (PSA). Due to the size and prominence of WDF, this is a significant collaboration project between WDF partners and multiple BHX teams, expected to take around 18 months. The wait will be worth it though as the new store will unlock a brand-new commercial concourse linking the north and south departure lounges.

This development will benefit those arriving back into BHX in the South. A full reconfiguration area has already been delivered that has expanded the South Immigration and Baggage reclaim area. This important development will provide an increase from five to eight primary control points, operated by Border Force and will also future proof the introduction of e-Gates, further enhancing passenger efficiency and experience in coming years. These changes in the South will allow and increase in the number of arriving flights that BHX can process in this area.

This was one of the first investment project launched in 2025 and will be delivered in stages over the course of the financial year. Work includes the removal of redundant lighting and ceilings, repairing damaged flooring, installation of new ventilation for Ground and 1st Floor lobbies and a new fire curtain, alongside new bulkheads at the entrance of Check-In areas. These improvements have already made a noticeable difference with messy cabling removed and replaced with a look that is cleaner and smarter. The second stage of this project will start after the summer peak and will include the relocation of Caffè Nero. We will also improve the Assisted Travel Reception with enhancements alongside a refresh of entrance doors and lobbies.

Investing in new heating and cooling systems at Birmingham Airport isn’t just technical, it’s about creating comfortable environments for both customers and staff. These upgrades are crucial for achieving Net Carbon Zero by 2033 by transitioning away from gas, utilising low global warming potential refrigerants, and implementing smart building management systems. Ultimately, this project will enhance the travel experience, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy efficiency through solutions like low-temperature and chilled water systems, energy storage, and heat recovery.

As passenger numbers at BHX increase, so too does the demand on baggage facilities. This development will deliver an additional facility to complement the existing six providing service to the North terminal. This new facility has the capacity to handle approximately 500 bags an hour and will mean that future growth and demand is provided for.

Aside from our normal November closures for ongoing maintenance on our runway and taxiways (such things as patch repairs, rubber removal and drainage upgrades), there are two large surface projects in 2025. The first is already underway and due for completion in October, building a new access for large freight aircraft onto the Elmdon apron which replaces use of the old taxiway Foxtrot. To enable these works all the Elmdon stands have already been realigned, giving us much better access to aircraft for loading & unloading. The new access, taxiway Hotel, is the size of two Olympic swimming pools and absorbs over 6000 tons of aggregate materials.

The second piece of work is rebuilding a lot of taxiway Uniform at the west (nearest runway) end between November and March, this is part of our ongoing maintenance and replacement of taxiways that are getting quite old and being transited by larger aircraft than originally planned. Specialist concrete is used, making sure that we are prepared for heavier aircraft in future years. As it is a key location, and near the works on the 80s stands, a lot of co-ordination with airlines, handling agents and operational teams is required to deliver this project.

During winter 2025/26 we will be increasing the number of Code C stands through reconfiguration of current stands 80-83 which, at the moment, aren’t all of a suitable size for the newer A321s and B737s. There’s a jigsaw puzzle of works to do this, including surfacing the large grass area between the 70s and 80s to allow us to move ground equipment and bus parking, thereby releasing space for roads and expanded stands. The new stands will be set up for Aviramp use, enabling easier boarding for Assisted Travel passengers as well, meaning that we have space for planned new based aircraft from easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair in 2026.

Focusing on facelifts of toilet facilities, this projects will include the refurbishment of the landside washroom areas. To carry this out, temporary facilities will be in place as we invest in cleaner and more modern facilities, in line with customer expectations. We will also be investing in nursing areas for feeding mums and we have already unveiled quiet zones for those wanting to escape the hustle of the airport.

The responsibility for the provision of ATC at BHX will transfer from BAATL to NATS on the 1st of December 2025. We and NATS will work in partnership together as “One BHX”. NATS will support the growth of BHX with an ambitious programme of modernisation through asset replacement and delivery of improved ATC operational procedures and performance.