Birmingham Airport announces £2bn expansion

Birmingham Airport has announced a £2bn expansion plan which bosses say could more than double passenger numbers and create thousands of jobs.

The draft plan, a spokesperson said, sets out the use of existing runway capacity alongside "significantly enhanced" passenger facilities over the next 15 years.

Unveiling an eight-week public consultation, chief executive Nick Barton said the scheme aims to ensure the airport was "ready for the future" but needed a "fair and stable taxation environment".

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the government was "backing our aviation sector to continue growing, right across the country".

In 2025, the airport said it had seen a record year with more than 13 million passengers travelling through it. Bosses want to see this rise by more than double, up to 30 million a year.

Airport chiefs said the proposals set out a "clear commitment" to continue serving the region and create more than 50,000 jobs, including 3,800 at the airport site.

They added that they wanted to make sure the growth was "delivered responsibly and sustainably" for the people living closes to the site.

The first stage of development could start in 2027, with significant investments in areas such as baggage and terminal facilities, additional aircraft stands and improvements in surface access.

Hundreds of passengers were affected by issues with the airport's baggage system in August, with many left without their luggage.

People can give feedback on the plans online, by post or attend any of the 20 events, which start in Hampton on Arden on 16 October, external.

"The £2bn proposed investment is unprecedented at Birmingham Airport and will take our airport close to 30 million passengers," said Barton.

"This level of ambition sends a strong signal of support and confidence in our airport and wider region.

However, Barton added that the plan came at a time the airport was faced with increased running costs from wage bills, energy prices and taxation.

"Unless tax and regulatory environments are made more favourable and stable for major infrastructure investment, they [the plans] may not materialise," he said.

Alexander said the city's plan was a "massive boost" to the West Midlands, unlocking investment and "creating 50,000 well-paid local jobs to get people into employment".

Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, also welcomed the "ambitious masterplan" which he said would improve 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," he said.