Birmingham Airport prepares for record summer as passenger numbers rise
More than 2.5 million passengers are expected to travel through BHX during the summer break.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is preparing for its busiest summer getaway on record, with more than 2.5 million passengers expected to travel through the airport during the school holiday period, representing an anticipated increase of 10% year on year.
The projected growth reflects the strength of passenger demand across Birmingham Airport’s extensive catchment and the continued expansion of its airline and destination network.
Dublin, Palma, and Alicante remain among the most popular destinations for passengers travelling from the Midlands this summer. Belfast is the leading domestic destination, with more than 80,000 passengers expected to travel between Birmingham and the Northern Ireland capital for business, leisure, and visits to friends and relatives (VFR).
The summer performance supports Birmingham Airport’s position as one of the UK’s most strategically located growth airports. Situated at the geographic heart of England, BHX provides airlines with available capacity, operational flexibility, and access to strong year-round demand across leisure, business, and VFR markets.
BHX remains on track to record its busiest year to date, following a record 13.7 million passengers in 2025. The airport currently connects the region with over 135 direct destinations and more than 650 destinations through one-stop connections.
To support future passenger and airline growth, Birmingham Airport is delivering a £300 million capital investment programme focused on increasing capacity, strengthening operational resilience, and improving the passenger experience.
Developments completed or progressed since last summer include the expansion of the South immigration and baggage reclaim facilities, increasing processing capacity for arriving passengers, an enhanced selection of shops, restaurants, and other commercial outlets within the departure lounge, and the opening of new premium Aspire lounge facilities.
The investment programme also includes improvements to security, baggage infrastructure, aircraft stands, and terminal facilities, enabling Birmingham Airport to accommodate future growth within its existing footprint while maintaining an efficient and reliable operation for passengers and airline partners.