Birmingham Airport Unveils £2bn Draft Master Plan

Over the next 15 years, the draft Master Plan identifies how the Airport can make best use of its existing runway capacity, alongside significantly enhanced passenger facilities and improving surface access. The plan out for public consultation also looks at how the airport can deliver more for communities living closest to the Airport, as future growth is delivered responsibly and sustainably with proactive community engagement at its core.

The ambitious draft Master Plan sends a clear commitment from the Airport to continue to serve the region and its communities. However, the announcement comes alongside a plea to Government that for this growth to be deliverable, a stable taxation environment is fundamental to incentivise long term shareholder investment and returns. This appeal comes in the wake of English airports facing continued uncertainty around valuations, which have already seen the doubling of a business rates bill at Birmingham Airport.

The first phase of development could start next year, with significant capital investments made in areas including baggage facilities, reconfiguration and additional aircraft stands, improvements into surface access and terminal facilities. As part of the airport’s commitment to positive community engagement, an eight-week public consultation will start where stakeholders can feed into the plans online or via post, or attend any of the 20 events starting on the 16th October.

Nick Barton, Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Airport Limited, said: “Birmingham Airport is the Midland's principal international Airport already facilitating and supporting trade, tourism, investment and employment in the region. As Birmingham is the UK’s second city, our future plans will help secure ongoing growth in the region, benefiting more people and businesses in the West Midlands with new jobs, better transport links and enhanced connectivity.

“The £2bn proposed investment is unprecedented at Birmingham Airport and will take our airport close to 30m passengers. This level of ambition sends a strong signal of support and confidence in our airport and wider region. We have a laser light focus on delivering sustainable growth that supports regional prosperity, while responding responsibly to the environmental challenges. This Master Plan will enable us to deliver on that ambition and ensure we are ready for the future.

“However, the delivery of this plan is reliant on a fair and stable taxation environment. It is a normal expectation that investments generate returns. This draft Master Plan comes at the same time where the airport is faced with increasing running costs from employment, energy and taxes. This planned growth over a 15-year period details the length of investment cycles at airports and unless tax and regulatory environments are made more favourable and stable for major infrastructure investment, they may not materialise. Nor will the growth in the UK we all so badly need, in order to deliver our country’s potential.”

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: "We’re backing our aviation sector to continue growing, right across the country.

“Birmingham Airport’s Masterplan will be a massive boost to the West Midlands, unlocking investment and creating 50,000 well-paid local jobs to get people into employment.

"From the Midlands to the North and beyond, we're backing airport expansion that drives prosperity in every corner of Britain, whilst delivering cleaner flights with over £219 million invested in green fuels.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “This ambitious masterplan and the investment it will bring is a massive boost for the West Midlands economy. It’s set to bring thousands of new jobs, better 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.”