Birmingham Airport - Past, present and future

Birmingham Airport is the West Midlands regional hub to Europe and to the rest of the World. It is located in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull close to the A45 and J6 on the M42.


Where is Birmingham Airport?

Birmingham Airport is in Bickenhill, Solihull, (Birmingham), West Midlands, B26 3QJ. Is is near the A45 Coventry Road and the M42 motorway (Junction 6).

 

In brief

Birmingham Airport, is the UK's seventh busiest airport, with up to 13 million passengers travelling through it every year, it was formerly called Elmdon Airport which opened on the 8th July 1939. It changed its name to Birmingham International in 1960. 

In 1961, an additional terminal building to handle international traffic was opened called The International Building. A new terminal (terminal 1 & 2) was opened by the Queen in 1984.

In 2011, the word 'International' was dropped and it is now officially known as Birmingham Airport by 2011.

Over recent years the runway has been extended and a new Air Traffic Control Tower was opened in 2012. 

Birmingham Airport Arrivals and departures Birmingham Airport - Arrivals and Departures. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham Airport - history

Birmingham City Council first had an idea to build an airport in 1928.

Sites suggested in 1931 included Shirley and Elmdon in the Borough of Solihull, or Aldridge in the Borough of Walsall. In the end they chose a site in Elmdon.

The Great Depression put things back, but the plans were revived again in 1933.

In 1935, the architectural and engineering practice Norman and Dawbarn was invited to design a building. A private members bill from the Birmingham Corporation passed through Parliament in 1933 and Elmdon Airport was built and opened in 1939 shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.

The airport was opened by the Duchess of Kent together with the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain.

Elmdon Airport Elmdon Airport from the X1 bus. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Post-war years

After the war, the airport was returned to civilian used by 1946.

Between 1950 and 1970 the airport was used for a number of public events such as air fairs and air races.

The Government's control of the airport ended in 1960 handing it back to the City of Birmingham. Elmdon Airport was renamed to Birmingham Airport in April 1960.

An additional terminal building was opened in 1961 to handle the growing international traffic, which was called The International Building. The first runway extension took place from 1967 to 1970 allowing jet powered airliners to use the airport. The newly formed West Midlands Metropolitan County Council took control of the airport in 1974.

The supersonic airliner Concorde visited the airport in 1980 (it made it's farewell visit in 2003).

 

Maglev and a new Terminal

In the 1970s Birmingham Airport was home to one of the world's first commercial maglev systems, which ran between the terminal and the nearby Birmingham International Station (opened in 1976 along with the National Exhibition Centre). It opened in 1984 at the brand new terminal building, then called Birmingham International Airport.

HM the Queen officially opened the new Birmingham International Airport in May 1984. At the time the airport had a Terminal 1 and a Terminal 2. The old Elmdon Airport was no longer used for National or International flights, other than for prviate flights and freight. The Maglev was discontinued in 1995, and was later replaced by the Air Rail Link in 2003.

In 1998 during the G8, the World Leaders planes including Air Force One landed at Birmingham Airport, using Elmdon Airport.

Birmingham AirportHM the Queen opens Birmingham International Airport in May 1984. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Wetherspoon plaque at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham International Airport began as a small airfield in the Parish of Elmdon and was known as Elmdon Airport. The name Elmdon means 'hill of the elms. The first aircraft to land was a Western Airways twin-engine D.H. Dragonfly, on 20th March 1939. Dragonfly was the name of Wetherspoon's first outlet at the airport. Elmdon Airport was officially renamed Birmingham Airport, in April 1960, at a ceremony attended by an estimated 10,000 people. International flights were introduced in the 1960s. The Main Terminal was opened in 1984. These premises were opened by J.D. Wetherspoon in March 2015.

Birmingham AirportWetherspoon plaque at Birmingham Airport (June 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Into the new Millennium

The shorter of the airport's runways closed in January 2008. 

In the same month, plans were prepared for a airport runway extension and a new airport traffic control tower. These plans were submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

In June 2008, work began on building a new three-storey International Pier and this was opened in September 2009.

The Airport also celebrated it's 70th anniversary in 2009, and HRH the Duke of Kent was present to unveil a plaque and to open the new International Pier during October 2009.

The new facility meant the airport could welcome Airbus A380 planes, as well as next generation planes such as the Boeing 747-8 and Boeing 777X. Runway extension plans were approved in March 2009.

Birmingham AirportPlaque unveiled by HRH the Duke of Kent in October 2009 on the occasion of Birmingham Airport's 70th anniversary. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Into the 2010s

Terminals 1 and 2 were merged into a single facility in 2011, and the airport would drop "International" from it's official name to become "Birmingham Airport".

In November 2010, a new slogan began to be used "Hello World".

The airport merged its two terminals into a single building inJanuary 2011, creating two extra floors.

Work on a new air traffic control tower began in July 2011 and this was complete by March 2012, replacing the airport's original tower which had been used since the airport opened in 1939.

The airport proudly had the Olympic rings on it during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The runway extension officially opened by July 2014. This meant altering the A45 Coventry Road (which now looks like a semi circle from the air). The airport has a large departure lounge, with Duty Free shops, plus bars and restaurants. As well as the airport security area, and areas to wait near the gates to go to your plane.

With the England National Football Team now based at St George's Park near Burton-upon-Trent, the England team now use Birmingham Airport when heading off for International matches overseas.

Birmingham AirportEmirates Airbus A380 at the International Pier, Birmingham Airport (November 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Air Traffic Control Tower Birmingham AirportThe new Air Traffic Control Tower with London 2012 Olympic rings at Birmingham Airport (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Emirates Birmingham AirportAn Emirates Boeing 777 takes off from Birmingham Airport (March 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Jet2Holidays Birmingham AirportA Jet2Holidays plane approaches the runway at Birmingham Airport (October 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ryanair Birmingham AirportOn board a Ryanair flight landing at Birmingham Airport (May 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Transport links at Birmingham Airport

Trains operate from Birmingham International Station. Buses and coaches operate from the local bus stops (including the X1 and X12). There is the Air Rail Link, as well as a large taxi rank. There is a car drop and go area outside the airport, plus several car parks and hotels.

Air Rail Link at Birmingham Airport Air Rail Link from Birmingham International Interchange to Birmingham Airport. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Birmingham Airport

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Project dates

07 Jun 2019 - On-going

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Transport, Travel & tourism, Modern Architecture
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Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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Travel & tourism
29 May 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Flying over Birmingham and coming into land at Birmingham Airport

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I went on holiday for a week in Italy. To the Umbria region. Flew back to Birmigham Airport from Rome Fiumicino Airport in Lazio on Thursday afternoon, 18th May 2023. Before landing at BHX, my Jet2 Smartwings Boeing 737-800 plane flew over Birmingham, circling over various areas, as far as Walsall, before landing at runway 15.

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Flying over Birmingham and coming into land at Birmingham Airport





I went on holiday for a week in Italy. To the Umbria region. Flew back to Birmigham Airport from Rome Fiumicino Airport in Lazio on Thursday afternoon, 18th May 2023. Before landing at BHX, my Jet2 Smartwings Boeing 737-800 plane flew over Birmingham, circling over various areas, as far as Walsall, before landing at runway 15.


Birmingham City Centre

I'd always wanted to try and get photos of Birmingham City Centre from a plane window coming home from holiday. This was the first time I was able to achieve this. The BT Tower is the main building visible. Plus 103 Colmore Row was visible, and as we swung around Selfridges. Was a bit hazy though.

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham Airport

After capturing London Luton Airport and Coventry Airport on the way home, I was hoping to see Birmingham Airport, before landing. Managed to capture it with the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull and the National Exhibition Centre. Would later leave the airport in a taxi going home via the A45 Coventry Road. You also have Elmdon Park.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BHX%20JLR%2018052023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BHX%20JLR%2018052023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Adderley Park

Flying over Adderley Park and the Birmingham Wheels Park. Between that is the West Coast Mainline.

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Freightliner terminal - Landor Street, Birmingham

Also near Addereley Park is the Landor Street freight terminal. There is clear signs of HS2 works below.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bloomsbury Park

Over Nechells you can see the former Aston Gas Holders, and Bloomsbury Park to the right.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spaghetti Junction and Salford Park

Something I never expected to photograph from the air was Spaghetti Junction. It opened over 50 years ago. Salford Park looks tiny from up here, including Aston Reservoir.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Villa Park and Aston Hall & Park

To the left of Spaghetti Junction is Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club. Aston Hall & Park to the right. The Cross City and Chase Lines split near here. Cross City towards Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield, and the Chase Line towards Walsall and Rugeley.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Perry Barr Stadium

Passing Perry Barr Stadium, the home of Home of Greyhound Racing Club and Birmingham Brummies Speedway. Also nearby is the completed accommodation in Perry Barr, originally built for the Commonwealth Games as an athletes village, but was not completed in time. You can also see the new road layout since the Perry Barr Flyover was demolished a few years ago.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Alexander Stadium and Perry Park

The Alexander Stadium was of course rebuilt for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Perry Park is next to and around it, with the Perry Reservoir and M6 motorway behind. Hopefully park access around the stadium will be restored soon.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walsall Arboretum

Passing over Walsall Arboretum, this was the furthest north we went, before turning around to the airport. Could see the Hatherton Lake from above, and was a fun fair in the park.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Witton Lakes

You could see the two sections of the lakes at Witton Lakes Park. With Perry Common behind.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M6 motorway and The Fort Shopping Centre

Getting closer to landing now. The M6 motorway on the left, with The Fort Shopping Centre on the right. A strip of parkland to the left in the Bromford area, near Hodge Hill. More HS2 land to the top left hand corner in Washwood Heath.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Landing at runway 15

After circling over Birmingham, it was time to land. First passing Airparks Birmingham, then over the Sheldon Country Park. The former Monarch hanger is now STS.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

After this our Jet2 plane taxied to the Jet2 area of the airport, and two buses would take us passengers back to arrivals for passport control and baggage claim. Was a minor fire incident, and the airport fire service was out, so the buses had to go on a minor diversion, but all was ok.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Transport
15 Jan 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Royal Navy 692 - WT 723 at SCC Technology Campus in Tyseley

Post image

On the no 4 / 4A bus route on the Warwick Road in Tyseley. There is now a decommissioned Hawker Hunter at the SCC Technology Campus. After the Shoreham air crash, it would never fly again. But was placed here on a pole stand around September 2021. A short walk up from Tyseley Locomotive Works and Tyseley Station, not far from Greet and the River Cole.

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Royal Navy 692 - WT 723 at SCC Technology Campus in Tyseley





On the no 4 / 4A bus route on the Warwick Road in Tyseley. There is now a decommissioned Hawker Hunter at the SCC Technology Campus. After the Shoreham air crash, it would never fly again. But was placed here on a pole stand around September 2021. A short walk up from Tyseley Locomotive Works and Tyseley Station, not far from Greet and the River Cole.


If you catch the no 4 or 4A bus from Carrs Lane in the City Centre towards Tyseley and Acocks Green, you might spot something unusual. This decommissioned Hawker Hunter Royal Navy plane has been mounted on a pole stand at the SCC Technology Campus between Greet and Tyseley. The Warwick Road junction with Battery Way. Also near the Cole Valley Business Park, Burbury Brickworks Nature Reserve (Shire Country Park) and the River Cole. People in cars or other transport might also spot it on their journey up and down the Warwick Road.

First flew in 1955. Retired in 1993. Various owners since. Since Shoreham crash it has been de-registered, and from September 2021 was moved to Tyseley pole-mounted at the SCC premises. All major components removed.

 

Royal Navy 692 - WT 723 - Hawker Hunter

Gallery of eight photos below. Taken on Saturday 15th January 2022.

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Royal Navy 692" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RN 692 SCC Tyseley 15012022 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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