Birmingham Airport launches Economic Report

“The UK Central Airport Gateway Report,” created with experts, York Aviation, reveals that the Midlands airport delivers a massive £3.75 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy and supports 57,000 jobs in the region. In addition to its employment and GVA footprint, the report also underscores Birmingham Airport's critical role in facilitating international trade in the region. Over the last decade, cargo has experienced an exponential rise from 5,100 tonnes in 2014, to 62,000 in 2024 with £670,000 per tonne in exporter value being delivered. The latest report further establishes the airport’s growing role as a gateway for connectivity, trade and investment 

Summary headlines from The UK Central Airport Gateway Economic Report highlighted: 

• £3.75bn Total GVA Contribution: Driving economic benefits, productivity and business investment across the West Midlands and the UK. 

• 57,000 Jobs Supported: Driving employment across diverse sectors including aviation, logistics, tourism, hospitality, and engineering. 

• £670,000 per Tonne Exporter Value: Outlining the value of cargo moving through the airport, connecting high-value British manufacturing and services directly to global markets. 

• Strategic Regional Gateway: Enabling international connectivity that attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) the Midlands Engine and UK’s second City. 

Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport said: "This report clearly demonstrates that Birmingham Airport is far more than a departure point for holidaymakers; it is an economic powerhouse. Delivering £3.75bn in GVA and supporting 57,000 jobs shows the sheer scale of our contribution to the region. Crucially, safeguarding £670,000 per tonne for our exporters proves that we are a vital lifeline for British trade, linking our world-class local industries to global markets." 

The report comes as the airport has recently announced its draft Master Plan detailing a £2bn investment that will secure around 30m passengers between now and 2041. This is particularly timely as the airport attends World Routes, meeting future network planners across the globe looking at connectivity for the future. It also follows news that Ryanair has announced a further based aircraft at the airport for Winter 2026, servicing five additional routes as Ryanair passenger growth is up by 20% at the transport hub.  

For further information, on the Draft Master Plan please see our website: Birminghamairport.co.uk/masterplan or contact the Airport at [email protected].  

Public consultation on the draft Master Plan has entered its second week where feedback and suggestions from members of the public will be considered. A final plan will be published in 2027 summarising what was heard, how feedback was considered, and how it has influenced the final Master Plan and future funding commitments.  

To view the report in full please visit Airport strategy | Birmingham Airport and select the economic impact report 2026.