Celebrating 87 Years of Birmingham Airport

Eighty-seven years after welcoming its first passengers, Birmingham Airport continues to play a vital role in connecting the Midlands to the UK and the world.

Since opening in 1939, the airport has grown alongside the region it serves, evolving from a municipal airport into one of the UK's leading international gateways. Throughout its history, Birmingham Airport has supported business, tourism, trade and investment, helping connect one of Europe's largest and most dynamic catchments with destinations across the globe.

What began as a regional airfield now serves millions of passengers each year, providing access to 135 direct destinations and more than 650 onward connections. Its growth reflects the strength of the West Midlands economy and the increasing importance of the region on both the national and international stage.

As the gateway to the UK's second-largest city and a regional economy worth £77 billion, Birmingham Airport supports thousands of jobs and generates significant economic value across the Midlands. The airport remains an essential piece of infrastructure for the businesses, communities and industries that rely on global connectivity, from advanced manufacturing and automotive to life sciences, technology and professional services.

The airport's success has always been built on adapting to change. Over nearly nine decades it has witnessed the arrival of the jet age, the growth of international travel, the expansion of low-cost aviation and the return and development of long-haul services. Through each chapter, Birmingham Airport has continued to evolve to meet the needs of passengers and airline partners alike.

That evolution continues through a £300 million investment programme designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve the passenger experience and support future growth. Combined with available runway and terminal capacity, Birmingham Airport is uniquely positioned to accommodate additional airline services and network expansion at a time when many airports face increasing constraints.

While the airport celebrates its heritage, its focus remains firmly on the future. Continued investment, a growing regional economy and strong demand across business, leisure and VFR travel segments provide a solid foundation for the next phase of growth.

The story of Birmingham Airport is ultimately a story of connection - connecting people with opportunities, businesses with global markets, and the Midlands with the rest of the world. As it marks 87 years of operation, the airport can look back with pride on its achievements and forward with confidence to the opportunities ahead.