Birmingham Airport is set to receive 300 million GBP worth of investment over the next four years as passenger numbers are forecasted to reach 17 million by 2029.
Announced at the Regional Investment Summit by CEO Nick Barton; the airport is currently in its most ambitious year for capital investment, with a further 75 million scheduled to be spent each year between 2025 and 2029.
The Airport has also confirmed it has begun a process to deliver its next Masterplan for the airport and its associated demand up to 2040.
Major projects currently being undertaken at the airport include an increase in retail and hospitality offerings over the next three years, such as a multi-million-pound refurbishment from WDF, as well as three new food and beverage outlets within the departure lounge.
The airfield is also set to see a significant spend, including the reconstruction of parts of taxiways, new stands, lighting replacement and runway works totalling 40 million GBP.
Baggage capacity for both inbound and outbound passengers will receive an overhaul, with an additional 40 million GBP invested in self-service drop off, baggage sortation systems and greater handling capabilities. e-Gates are set to be installed within the south terminal in time for next summer, alongside investments in security lane efficiencies and customer facility upgrades in both arrivals and departures.
With a rolling programme of roughly 50 million GBP; heating and cooling systems in the terminal will be installed and managed by sustainable programmes throughout the year. Millions have also been put aside for ongoing electricity metering, the replacement of gas assets and a rolling programme of fleet (both airside and passenger)electrification and replacement.
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport said:We are currently in our most successful year ever at the airport and we are confident this growth is set to continue. We have already made significant investment in the airport this year, having delivered new departure gates, lounges on the international pier, additional security lanes, new retail offerings and baggage capacity to name only a few projects.
But we need to go further as we can see more growth coming, however we need to do this in a responsible way for the airport, its colleagues and local communities. We need to make sure all areas are fit for the future including check in, immigration, security, retail and our airfield. Our plan for the next three to four years shows how we are on our way to delivering more choice for our passengers and enhanced service, whilst continuing the journey to Net Zero.
The Airport has stated that whilst multiple construction projects are underway, preparation areas are visible but limited, with works carefully planned to avoid disruption, and whilst the investments have been announced, they are dependent on a stable and reasonable taxation environment in the upcoming budget.
