Birmingham Airport: Efficient Travel Through Multiple Gates

Birmingham Airport, formerly Birmingham International Airport, is located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east-southeast of Birmingham city centre. In 2011, the airport merged its two terminals (T1 and T2) into one large terminal. Gates 1–20 are located in the section that was once Terminal 2, while all other gates are situated in the area that was formerly Terminal 1. This unified layout simplifies travel for passengers navigating the different areas of the terminal. Birmingham Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the United Kingdom, recording 13 million passengers in 2017, its busiest year ever.

Birmingham Airport's terminal layout

Birmingham Airport has a single terminal for all arriving and departing flights, formed by merging the previous two terminals (T1 and T2) into one large terminal. The ground floor has check-in desks 1–82 on the right and check-in desks 100–130 on the left, with the Arrivals hall located in between. The first floor has the Departures hall, security check, and boarding gates. Gates 1–20 are in the section that was once Terminal 2, while all other gates are in the area that was formerly Terminal 1. The unified layout simplifies passengers' navigation between different terminal areas.

The central security area is located on the first floor, which passengers can access after checking in on the ground floor. After passing through security, travellers will find various airside shops and restaurants also located on the first floor, offering ample dining and last-minute shopping options.

To navigate the airport efficiently, passengers can follow the clear signage to gates, shops, and dining areas. Information desks are available for any queries or assistance. Additionally, airport maps are available at various points throughout the terminal to help understand the layout better. Knowing which airlines operate from specific terminals can also make the visit more efficient.

Birmingham Airport provides a seamless travel experience, offering a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for its passengers.

Check-in and arrival desks

Birmingham Airport has a total of 130 check-in desks, with desks 1-82 on the right side of the ground floor and desks 100-130 on the left. The Arrivals hall is located between these two sets of check-in desks. The check-in process at Birmingham Airport is generally fast, but it is recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times, as it may take longer than expected. Check-in usually opens four hours before long-haul flights and two to three hours before short-haul flights. It is always best to check with your airline directly for precise check-in times.

The airport operates a single terminal for all arriving and departing flights, with all check-in and arrival desks located on the ground floor of the check-in halls. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available for some airlines and can be found on the ground and first floors of the check-in halls.

To find the correct check-in desk, passengers can refer to the wayfinding information available at the airport or contact their airline directly. It is important to have all the required documentation ready for a smooth and speedy check-in process.

After checking in, passengers can proceed to the central security area located on the first floor. Here, they will find various airside shops and restaurants, offering ample options for dining and last-minute shopping. The airport also provides clear signage, information desks, and interactive maps to help passengers navigate the terminal efficiently.

Security and boarding

Birmingham Airport has a single terminal for all arriving and departing flights. The security and boarding process is straightforward, but it's recommended that passengers arrive early, especially during peak travel periods, as security queues can be long.

The check-in desks are located on the ground floor, with self-service kiosks also available on the ground and first floors. After checking in, passengers proceed to the central security area on the first floor. Passengers can avoid queuing for security by purchasing access to the Fast Track lanes, which are available in both the former Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 areas. These lanes can be accessed by buying a Fast Track pass online or at the airport.

Once through security, passengers will find a variety of shops and restaurants on the first floor. Here, passengers can enjoy a meal or do some last-minute shopping before their flight. The airport also has several lounges where passengers can relax and unwind, offering comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

The boarding gates are located throughout the terminal. Gates 1–20 are in the former Terminal 2 section, while all other gates are in the former Terminal 1 area. Clear signage and airport maps are available to help passengers navigate to their departure gates. It's recommended that passengers leave plenty of time for the entire check-in, security, and boarding process and arrive at the airport as early as possible.

Transport to and from the airport

Birmingham Airport is located 13km (8.1 miles) southeast of Birmingham city centre. It is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and taxi.

By Car

The airport is accessible from the north and south via Junction Six of the M42 motorway. The A45 Coventry Road also runs directly to the airport from Birmingham city centre. The distance from the airport to the city centre is 18km, and the drive takes approximately 30 minutes.

By Train

Birmingham Airport is connected to Birmingham International railway station on the West Coast Main Line by the elevated Air-Rail Link. Trains are operated by West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Transport For Wales, and CrossCountry.

By Bus

National Express West Midlands operates the main bus routes to and from the airport, including the X1 to Birmingham city centre and Coventry, the X12 to Chelmsley Wood and Solihull, and the 96 to Chelmsley Wood, Erdington, and Kingstanding. Bus stops are located outside Terminal One.

By Taxi

Black cabs are available at the taxi rank outside the arrivals area of the terminal. A taxi ride to the city centre costs around £43.

Airport history

Birmingham Airport, formerly Birmingham International Airport, was officially opened as Elmdon Airport on 8 July 1939. The airport was owned and operated by Birmingham City Council. Initial services flew to Croydon, Glasgow, Liverpool, Ryde, Shoreham, Manchester, and Southampton.

During World War II, Elmdon Airport was requisitioned by the Air Ministry and was used by both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy as RAF Elmdon. It was largely used for flight training and wartime production purposes. The original grass airstrip was replaced by two hard runways: 06/24 at 2,469 feet (753 m) and 15/33 at 4,170 feet (1,271 m).

On 8 July 1946, the aerodrome was reopened to civilian operations, though it remained under government control. In 1949, scheduled services began with British European Airways (BEA) launching routes to Paris. In 1960, the City of Birmingham resumed responsibility for the airport's operation again, ending central government control.

In 1961, an additional terminal building was opened to handle the growing international traffic and was called The International Building. In the same year, work began to extend the airport's main runway to 7,400 feet (1.4 miles), allowing the launch of new services using turboprop and jet-powered airliners. By the early 1970s, Birmingham Airport was handling around one million passengers per year.

In 1974, the newly formed West Midlands Metropolitan County Council took over the management of the airport. On 16 September 1980, the supersonic airliner Concorde made its first visit to Birmingham Airport.

In 1984, Terminal 1 was opened to ease congestion in the original Elmdon Terminal. In 1993, the airport's name was changed to Birmingham International Airport after direct service was added to destinations in Mexico and Canada. In 1995, the world's first commercial maglev system, which had been operating at the airport since 1984, was discontinued due to unreliability.

In 2007, Birmingham Airport published a master plan for its development up to 2030, detailing changes to the terminals, airfield layout, and off-site infrastructure. In 2008, the shorter runway (06/24) was decommissioned, and plans for the extension of the main runway and the construction of a new air traffic control tower were submitted. In 2011, the airport merged its two terminals into a single terminal building.

In recent years, Birmingham Airport has continued to develop and expand, with new baggage handling systems, car parks, and a new control tower. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary mortuary was established in a hangar at the airport.

Frequently asked questions