From new destinations to fresh facilities: how Birmingham Airport is planning for the future

More choice

To ease clients into their holiday, BHX boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants and lounges. As part of the refreshed and improved commercial offering, Indian street food restaurant Chaiiwala has opened in the departure lounge, serving drinks, snacks, all day breakfasts, Bombay toasties and more. It will be followed by another new dining option in December, with even more to come next spring.

Once airside, those seeking some pre-holiday retail therapy can indulge in tax-free shopping at a range of high street and designer stores, and BHX is also home to five lounges, where passengers can relax and unwind before they fly.

Investment to 2033

BHX has committed to investing £300m, and part of this was spent on the recently completed, multi-million pound new security hall. This new state of the art equipment ensures passengers receive a more streamlined and simpler experience. 

The new Next-Generation Security (NGS) equipment boasts the convenience that customers no longer need to remove their liquids, pastes and gels from their hand luggage, as they can stay in their hand luggage bag. The same applies to any electrical items – which previously had to be removed and placed in a tray – as these too can now stay in hand luggage, ensuring a less complicated security process. 

Summer 2025 will see the introduction of a further two lanes to complement the existing high tech security area and supports the forecast demand.

All development, improvement and infrastructure works are underpinned by BHX’s goal to be a net zero carbon airport by 2033, by prioritising zero carbon airport operations and minimising carbon offsets. As part of this commitment, £9.7m has been invested in a 12,000-panel solar farm on-site.  This new solar farm will be responsible for providing at least 20% of the airport’s electrical power requirement, ensuring it is less reliant on the National Grid. At peak supply it is it is anticipated it will save 1,285 tonnes of CO2 per year.    

BHX is also extending its network of electric vehicle charging stations with a series of high-speed EV charging points to be installed in Car Park 6.

The airport has also invested in energy efficient lighting and made improvements to its energy management technology, as well as renewing its heating and cooling infrastructure, as it transitions to low carbon heating.

We’re On Our Way

BHX serves the UK’s second city of Birmingham and is rightly placed for growth. It has ambitious plans,  supported by an ongoing investment programme and underpinned by its plan to be net zero.

To showcase its offering, the airport has recently launched its largest marketing programme to date, stretching out of its core catchment area to highlight its routes and facilities. ‘We’re On Our Way’ targets customers who have a choice of ‘local’ airport, ensuring BHX is firmly in their sights when making that important booking decision.  Look out for the adverts coming to a laptop, radio and TV near you!