Two become one at Birmingham Airport

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT is now a one terminal facility, following the completion of the first phase in a £13m development which will also see new shopping facilities on the site within a few months.

The change came on the day the airport it had recorded its first monthly rise in passengers for almost two years, following a 0.2% increase in January.

All departing passengers will now go through a new combined security search area and inbound passengers will arrive into a single meeting and greeting area.

Further work will see the opening of a new duty free shopping area and fashion house in the next few months (pictured below).

Operations director Will Heynes said the changes improve the airport’s capability and provide a platform for future growth.

He said: “The £13m investment puts the airport in a stronger position to attract new customers and showcase the airport as the region’s global gateway; not only to the Midlands but also the wider catchment and show that it’s a viable alternative to London and Manchester.

“Our goal for 2011 is to improve the passenger experience and this project will create a smoother journey through the terminal and improve our overall efficiency. Over the next 10 years we will invest a further £100 million in our facilities, which will help us achieve our vision of doubling our passenger numbers by 2018.”

Mr Heynes said: “Although the scheme will not be fully completed until July this year, the transition into a single terminal facility is a major milestone for the company. It has been a very challenging project with many complicated activities taking place in a 24-hour environment. A great deal of hard work by everyone involved has produced a great new facility, on programme, on time, and with minimal passenger disruption.”

During January 2011, the Airport handled 522,769 passengers, including 431,564 scheduled passengers and 91,205 charter passengers. This represents a 0.2% rise in passenger figures compared to January 2010.