Owais Crawford
Birmingham has not one but two airports: Birmingham Airport (BHX) and Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Birmingham Airport is located in Birmingham, England, while Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Both airports offer a range of amenities and services for travellers, including dining, shopping, and easy transportation options to and from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Birmingham Airport (BHX), formerly Birmingham International Airport |
| Location | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east-southeast of Birmingham city centre, 9.5 nautical miles (17.6 km; 10.9 mi) west-northwest of Coventry, slightly north of Bickenhill village, in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, England |
| Year Opened | 8 July 1939 |
| Former Name | Elmdon Airport |
| Area Covered | 2,170 acres (878 ha) at an elevation of 650 feet (198 m) above mean sea level |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Length of Main Runway | 12,007 feet (3,660 m) |
| Length of Secondary Runway | 7,099 feet (2,164 m) |
| Number of Parking Spaces | Over 5000 |
| Number of Passengers Served in 2024 | 3,243,023 |
| Ranking by Food and Drink | 49th out of 72 by Yahoo Travel in 2014 |
| Top 5 Markets Served Non-Stop | Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Houston, and Denver |
| Hotels | Novotel Birmingham Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport
Birmingham does have an airport, and it's a busy one! Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is a civil-military airport serving Birmingham, Alabama. It is Alabama's largest and busiest airport and is located in Jefferson County, five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham, near the interchange of Interstates 20 and 59.
History
The airport was originally known as Birmingham Municipal Airport and was certified by the U.S. Department of War as a "national defence project" before World War II. In 1939, it opened as Elmdon Airport and was requisitioned for use by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy during the war. In 1946, the airport reopened for civilian operations.
In 1993, the airport was renamed Birmingham International Airport following the introduction of flights to Canada and Mexico. A major renovation was also completed that year, and the airport served nearly 2.1 million passengers.
In 2008, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford proposed renaming the airport to honour civil rights activist Fred Shuttlesworth, and the new name, Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, was adopted in 2009.
Facilities and Services
The airport covers 2,170 acres and has two asphalt runways. It can handle all types of aircraft and features a staffed U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. While there are no current scheduled international flights, the airport does accommodate international corporate and air ambulance flights.
For transportation to and from the airport, there are rental car facilities, parking options, and airport shuttle services. Additionally, bus routes operated by National Express West Midlands connect the airport to Birmingham city centre and other nearby areas.
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Airport history
Birmingham Airport, formerly Birmingham International Airport, is an international airport located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east-southeast of Birmingham city centre, in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, England. It is primarily served by the A45 main road and is near Junction 6 of the M42 motorway. The airport's former name was Birmingham International Airport, and its IATA code is BHX.
The airport was opened as Elmdon Airport on 8 July 1939, by the Duchess of Kent, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. The airport was requisitioned by the Air Ministry during World War II and 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. On 8 July 1946, the aerodrome was reopened to civilian operations.
Commercial air service to Birmingham began in 1928 by St. Tammy and Gulf Coast Airways, at Roberts Field on a route from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana. Delta Air Service began service to Birmingham in late 1929 with six-seat Travel Air airplanes along a route from Love Field in Dallas, Texas.
The airport has two runways: 6/24, which is 12,007 by 150 feet (3,660 x 46 m), and 18/36, which is 7,099 by 150 feet (2,164 x 46 m). The airport covers 2,170 acres (878 ha) at an elevation of 650 feet (198 m) above mean sea level. It is the largest and busiest airport in Alabama by passenger volume, serving 3,243,023 passengers in 2024.
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Airport facilities
Birmingham Airport, officially Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM), serves the city of Birmingham, Alabama. The airport is located in Jefferson County, about 5 miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham, near the interchange of Interstates 20 and 59. It is Alabama's largest and busiest airport by passenger volume, serving 3,243,023 passengers in 2024.
Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport offers a range of facilities and amenities for travellers. The airport features free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and a Cell Phone Waiting Lot. For travellers with pets, there is an Animal Relief area on the lower level of the terminal, where pet waste disposal containers are provided. The airport also has a PNC ATM on the lower level near baggage claim, and electric vehicle charging stations in the parking deck. Additionally, FuelRods, a reusable portable charging system, are available on each concourse and in baggage claim.
For families travelling with children, Birmingham Airport offers a "Kidzone" children's play area. The airport also has a sensory room designed for travellers with autism and special needs, featuring soft lighting, touchable activity panels, and comfortable bean bag chairs. BHM Skycaps are located inside and outside the terminal to assist passengers with disabilities, including with checking bags and gate directions.
The airport provides a variety of dining and shopping options, both pre and post-security. Dining options include Tacos Locos in Concourse C and Red Mountain Grill in Concourse B, which offers a sports bar and an Alabama-inspired menu. The Southern Museum of Flight is located on the airport property, and there is also a rotating Barber Motorsports exhibit near baggage claim, featuring automobiles and race memorabilia.
Birmingham Airport has a rental car facility in an annex on the ground floor of the parking deck, housing eight rental car companies. The airport offers over 5,000 parking spaces for hourly and daily parking, as well as a remote lot for long-term parking with over 700 spaces. A shuttle service operates continuously between the terminal and the remote lot.
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Airport transport
Birmingham Airport, formerly Birmingham International Airport, is located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east-southeast of Birmingham city centre. It is served by the A45 main road and is near Junction 6 of the M42 motorway. The airport is connected to the Birmingham International railway station on the West Coast Main Line by an elevated Air-Rail Link.
The airport is accessible by bus, with National Express West Midlands operating the main bus routes. The X1 goes to Birmingham city centre and Coventry, the X12 goes to Chelmsley Wood and Solihull, and the 96 goes to Erdington, Kingstanding, and Chelmsley Wood.
Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, formerly Birmingham Municipal Airport, serves Birmingham, Alabama. It is located in Jefferson County, five miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham, near the interchange of Interstates 20 and 59. The airport is accessible by car, with a parking deck offering over 5000 spaces for hourly and daily parking. A remote lot is available for long-term parking, with over 700 spaces and a shuttle that runs to and from the terminal throughout the day.
There are also plans to improve transport links to Birmingham Airport. A new railway station, Birmingham Interchange, will be built to serve the airport and the National Exhibition Centre as part of the High Speed 2 rail link. The station will be connected to the airport using a "rapid transit people mover". Additionally, there are plans to introduce a new Line 3 of the West Midlands Metro to Birmingham Airport, which will link the airport to the city centre in 30 minutes.
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Airport hotels
Birmingham does have an airport, the Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), formerly known as Birmingham Municipal Airport and Birmingham International Airport. It is located 5 miles northeast of Downtown Birmingham and is the largest and busiest airport in Alabama.
There are several hotels near Birmingham Airport, including:
- Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport: This hotel offers contemporary style and Southern hospitality. It is the only full-service hotel at the airport and provides amenities such as a complimentary shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant called Steel City Bar & Grill. It is also conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum and Vulcan Park.
- Ramada by Wyndham Birmingham Airport: This hotel is located just 1 mile from the airport and offers free breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
- The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection By Hilton: Located 4.4 miles from the airport, this centrally located hotel features free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre.
- Comfort Inn Birmingham - Irondale: This hotel is situated 3.1 miles from the airport and provides free Wi-Fi.
- Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Birmingham East - Irondale/ Airport: Found 3.4 miles from the airport, this hotel is a convenient option for travellers.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham Fultondale/I-65: While the distance from the airport is unclear, this hotel offers a great breakfast selection and a pleasant overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an international airport in Birmingham, UK.
Birmingham Airport, formerly Birmingham International Airport.
BHX.
Birmingham Airport is located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east-southeast of Birmingham city centre.
There are a variety of dining and shopping options available at Birmingham Airport, both pre and post-security.
