Birmingham Airport Cuts Carbon Emissions by 11% as Passenger Numbers Reach Record 13.7 Million

The latest figures underline Birmingham Airport’s ability to deliver sustainable growth while continuing to provide airlines with the capacity, resilience and operational efficiency needed to support future expansion.

Located at the heart of the UK and serving one of the country's largest and most economically significant catchments, BHX connects more than 13.7 million passengers annually through a network of 145 direct destinations and over 650 onward connections. The airport serves approximately 60% of the West Midlands business travel market and handles around 1.6 million business passengers each year, supporting connectivity for one of the UK's most productive economic regions.

Over the past year, Birmingham Airport reduced its location-based greenhouse gas emissions by 798 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), reducing annual emissions to a record low of 6,455 tCO₂e. Total airport emissions have now fallen by 38% since 2019/20, demonstrating continued progress towards the airport's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2033.

The reductions were achieved through a combination of energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy generation and the adoption of lower-carbon fuels across airport operations.

More than 6,500 MWh of electricity is now generated annually through onsite solar installations, avoiding over 1,150 tCO₂e each year. Additional savings have come through investment in LED lighting, heating and ventilation upgrades, and wider building efficiency improvements across the airport estate.

Operational measures introduced during the reporting period also reduced energy consumption by a further 543 MWh, saving around 100 tCO₂e.

Following a successful trial, BHX expanded its use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)-fuelled vehicles across airport operations. Produced entirely from renewable waste materials, HVO can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional diesel. The airport's increased use of HVO avoided an estimated 131 tonnes of carbon emissions during the year.

As a result of these initiatives, emissions per passenger fell by 16%, highlighting how environmental performance continues to improve even as passenger volumes grow.

Earlier this year, Birmingham Airport also achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4, recognising the significant progress made in reducing emissions and embedding carbon management throughout its operations.

Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport said: “We’re incredibly proud to share that this period has been the most successful in reducing our carbon emissions yet. Reducing emissions requires consistent action over many years rather than a single initiative, and these results reflect the cumulative impact of investments we have made across the airport.

“We are focused on delivering changes that effectively reduce our environmental impact while supporting the needs of passengers, airlines and the Midlands region.”

The airport remains committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2033 and continues to identify opportunities to further reduce energy demand. Alongside action within its own operations, the airport is increasingly focused on emissions that occur beyond its direct control. Working with its third-party partners and suppliers, BHX is supporting efforts to reduce emissions associated with aircraft operations and passenger journeys to and from the airport.

This includes encouraging more sustainable surface access options and supporting the aviation sector’s transition towards lower-carbon fuels.

Tom Denton added, “We know we still have work to do, but it is clear we are on track to achieve our net zero goal. Every year we are reducing the emissions associated with running the airport and we are determined to maintain that momentum.”