Birmingham, Alabama: Airport Hub Or Hassle?

Birmingham, Alabama is served by the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM, ICAO: KBHM, FAA LID: BHM). The airport is located in Jefferson County, about five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham. It is the largest and busiest airport in Alabama, serving over 3 million passengers in 2023. The airport has two runways and one terminal with three concourses.

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport's location and amenities

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport: Location and Amenities

Location

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM, ICAO: KBHM, FAA LID: BHM) is located in Jefferson County, Alabama, just five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham, near the interchange of Interstates 20 and 59. The airport serves the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa metropolitan areas.

Amenities

The airport features a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. Here is an overview of some of the key amenities offered at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport:

• Free Wi-Fi: The airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal and in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.
• Animal Relief Area: A designated area for pets is available on the lower level of the terminal, with pet waste disposal containers provided for convenience.
• ATMs: For cash withdrawals, a PNC ATM is conveniently located on the lower level near baggage claim.
• Baggage Services: Smart Carte trolleys are available for rent at baggage claim and curbside near the terminal entrances, making it easier to manage multiple bags.
• Cash to Card Machine: Passengers can convert cash to a card for convenient use during their travels. This machine is located pre-security near the TSA checkpoint.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: Visitors with electric vehicles can utilise the nine electric vehicle charging stations in the airport's parking deck, making it convenient to charge their cars while travelling.
• Kidzone: The airport has dedicated "Kidzone" children's play areas designed to keep the little ones entertained and energised during their wait.
• Meditation Room: For passengers seeking a quiet space, the airport offers a meditation room to escape the hustle and bustle of travel.
• Nursing Rooms: Nursing mothers can take advantage of private rooms equipped with comfortable seating, electrical outlets, sinks, soft lighting, and ample counter space.
• Sensory Room: To accommodate travellers with autism and special needs, the airport has a sensory room featuring soft lighting, touchable activity panels, bean bag chairs, and other features to reduce pre-flight anxiety.
• Skycaps: Skycaps are readily available to assist passengers with disabilities, checking bags, and providing directions to gates. This service is provided by the Huntleigh Corporation.
• Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDDs): The airport ensures accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with TDDs located on the lower level near baggage claim areas.
• Family Bathrooms: Throughout the terminal, family bathrooms are available, and all bathrooms post-security are equipped with changing tables and children's toilets.
• Mobile Translation: ELSA™ mobile translation devices are accessible at airport operations, the information counter, and Birmingham Airport Authority offices, facilitating communication for travellers from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Visual Paging: Hearing-impaired passengers can request visual paging on the flight information display system (FIDS) through the Information Desk or by calling (205) 599-0500.

The airport's history and previous names

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM, ICAO: KBHM, FAA LID: BHM) is Alabama's busiest commercial air passenger facility, located in Jefferson County, about four to five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham. The airport is Alabama's largest and busiest, serving approximately 3 million passengers annually.

History and Previous Names:

The airport was first established in 1931 as Birmingham Airport, with a two-story, white, Georgian-style terminal and a single east–west runway. The airport's inaugural flight was an American Airways service from Atlanta, Georgia, to Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 1931. Eastern Airlines began servicing the airport in 1934, leading to the addition of a second runway.

During World War II, the airport was leased to the United States Army Air Forces for $1 a year to support national defence. It was called the Birmingham Army Airfield and was used as a fighter base. The Army Air Forces made significant improvements, including land acquisitions, taxiway paving, and the construction of a control tower and an aircraft modification centre.

In August 1948, the airport was returned to the city's control, and Southern Airways and Capitol Airways began servicing it. Runway 6/24 was extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and the first jet planes landed when Capitol merged with United Air Lines.

In 1962, a new terminal and air traffic control tower were built. This terminal was dedicated as the Birmingham Air Terminal and featured a single-story building with steeply pitched roofs.

In 1973, a semi-circular terminal with 15 aircraft gates and a 1,600-space parking deck was completed. This terminal was named the Seibels/Bryan Airport Terminal Building in honour of Mayor George Seibels and city councilman John E. Bryan.

In June 1986, the Birmingham City Council established the Birmingham Airport Authority, marking a period of significant growth and revitalisation. Daily flights increased from 38 to 65 by October 1988, and the airport served 1.9 million annual passengers.

In 1993, the airport underwent a $50.4 million terminal renovation, and direct flights to Mexico and Canada were added. This led to the airport being renamed Birmingham International Airport on October 20, 1993.

In 2008, the airport was renamed Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport to honour civil rights activist Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. The airport broke ground on a Terminal Modernisation Project in 2011, which was completed in 2014, doubling the terminal space and allowing for expanded flight operations.

Today, Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport continues to serve as a vital gateway for the region, offering connections to various destinations and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Airlines that fly to and from the airport

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM) is Alabama's largest and busiest airport. It is located in Jefferson County, five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham.

The airport is home to several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines offer nonstop flights to various destinations across the United States, including:

• Atlanta
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Charlotte
• Houston
• Denver
• Nashville
• Phoenix
• Tampa
• Orlando
• New York (LaGuardia)

In addition to these domestic routes, the airport has also offered seasonal international flights to the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico in the past.

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport serves as a vital gateway for travellers, providing convenient connections to hundreds of domestic and international destinations. With its range of airlines and destinations, the airport offers flexibility and convenience for those travelling to and from Alabama.

The airport's busiest routes

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is the largest and busiest airport in Alabama. It served 3,056,215 passengers in 2023.

The airport's top five busiest domestic routes from July 2023 to June 2024 were:

• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Dallas–Love, Texas
• Houston–Intercontinental, Texas
• Chicago–Midway, Illinois

The airport's top five busiest markets served non-stop as of January 2023 were:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Houston, Texas
• Denver, Colorado

The airport's busiest year

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport: The Airport's Busiest Year

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is a civil-military airport serving Birmingham, Alabama. With a history spanning almost 100 years, BHM has played a significant role in the state's aviation landscape. The airport's busiest year in recent memory was 2023, when it served over 3 million passengers, solidifying its position as Alabama's largest and busiest airport. In this article, we will delve into the key contributors to BHM's busiest year and explore the airport's rich history.

The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for BHM, as it handled a total of 3,056,215 passengers, making it the busiest year on record. Several factors contributed to this remarkable achievement:

• Strong Airline Presence: BHM is served by several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. These carriers offer a wide range of routes and connections, attracting a large number of passengers.
• Diverse Route Network: BHM offers a diverse range of destinations, including domestic hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Houston. This variety of options caters to both leisure and business travellers, driving up passenger numbers.
• Efficiency and Expansion: BHM has continuously improved its infrastructure and facilities. The completion of the Terminal Modernization Project in 2014 enhanced the airport's efficiency and capacity, making it better equipped to handle increased passenger traffic.
• Economic Growth: Alabama's economic growth and BHM's role as a vital economic catalyst for the mid-state region have contributed to the airport's success. A thriving economy often leads to increased travel demand, benefiting BHM as a key transportation hub.

A Historical Perspective

BHM has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of aviation. Here's a brief overview:

• 1910: The Wright brothers established the nation's first civilian flying school in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking an interest in aviation across the state.
• 1928: Commercial air service to Birmingham began with St. Tammy and Gulf Coast Airways operating from Roberts Field.
• 1929: Delta Air Service, now Delta Air Lines, started serving Birmingham, becoming the first major airline at the airport.
• 1931: A new municipal airport opened in Birmingham, replacing Roberts Field, and offering passenger service to Dallas, Atlanta, and other cities.
• 1941: Huntsville's municipal airport opened, but it was too small to attract airlines, highlighting the growing need for larger facilities.
• 1961: The first scheduled jets arrived at BHM, with Delta Convair 880s operating the ATL-BHM-MSY-LAX route.
• 1973: A new semi-circular terminal was completed, featuring 15 aircraft gates and a large parking deck, accommodating the growing passenger traffic.
• 1993: The airport was renamed Birmingham International Airport, reflecting its ability to handle international flights.
• 2008: The airport was renamed Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport to honour civil rights activist Fred Shuttlesworth.
• 2011: BHM broke ground on a comprehensive Terminal Modernization Project, which was completed in phases over three years, improving passenger facilities and efficiency.
• 2023: BHM served over 3 million passengers, becoming Alabama's busiest airport and solidifying its role as a key transportation hub in the region.

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport's busiest year in 2023 was a testament to the airport's growth and resilience. With a rich history, a strong airline presence, and continuous expansion, BHM has cemented its position as Alabama's leading aviation gateway. As the airport continues to evolve and adapt to the changing travel landscape, it is poised to handle even greater passenger numbers and contribute significantly to the economic development of the region.

Frequently asked questions