Birmingham International Airport

Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is not just a transit hub, but a true gateway to the heart of England, offering travellers convenient access to the West Midlands region. Located in a strategically important centre of the country, it serves as an excellent alternative to the congested London hubs, offering a calmer and more predictable atmosphere. Thanks to its compactness and well-thought-out logistics, the airport allows you to begin your acquaintance with British culture without unnecessary stress, whether it is a business trip or a visit to the birthplace of Shakespeare. It is a modern air harbour where technology and comfort harmoniously combine with traditional English practicality.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Birmingham Airport is known for its commitment to making the passenger experience as seamless and pleasant as possible. Among its key advantages, several unique features distinguish it favourably from other British airports:

• Air-Rail Link: The main pride of the transport infrastructure is the free automatic monorail. Futuristic cabins run every few minutes, delivering passengers from the terminal directly to the Birmingham International railway station in just 2 minutes.
• Single Terminal: The airport operates on the concept of one large terminal (combining the old Terminals 1 and 2), which significantly simplifies navigation. You do not need to spend time on long transfers between buildings — all check-in and departure zones are within walking distance.
• "Silent Airport" Policy: The concept of reducing noise pollution is maintained here. Loudspeaker announcements are kept to a minimum, creating a more relaxed atmosphere in the waiting lounges, but requiring travellers to closely monitor flight status on information screens.
• Proximity to NEC: The airport is located in immediate proximity to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), making it incredibly convenient for guests of international conferences, concerts, and exhibitions.

To contact the airport administration, obtain information, or resolve issues, please use the following contact details. We recommend checking the currency of the information on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: www.birminghamairport.co.uk
• Helpdesk Phone: +44 121 767 5511 (please note that this is an international call).
• Address: Airport Way, Birmingham, B26 3QJ, United Kingdom.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact forms in the "Contact Us" section on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news and receive up-to-date information on the airport's official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: Lost and found items within the terminal are handled by a third-party company. Contacts and a form for submitting a claim are available in the "Lost Property" section on the airport website. For luggage lost by an airline, you should contact your carrier directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passengers requiring special assistance, the airport website has a separate "Special Assistance" section with a form for pre-booking the service and contact details.

Getting to Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is easy thanks to its convenient location and developed transport network. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will easily find a suitable way to reach the terminal from the city centre or other regions of the United Kingdom.

By Train. This is arguably the fastest and most convenient method. The airport is directly connected to the Birmingham International railway station via the free Air-Rail Link monorail, a journey on which takes just two minutes. From this station to the city's main station, Birmingham New Street, trains take only 10-15 minutes. Birmingham International is a major hub on the West Coast Main Line, providing direct connections to many cities, including London, Manchester, and Coventry.

By Bus. A more budget-friendly option is to use bus routes. City buses, for example, route X1, connect the airport with Birmingham city centre and the neighbouring city of Coventry. The trip from the centre will take about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, intercity buses from National Express and Megabus stop at the airport, offering trips across the country.

Taxi and Transfer. For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family, you can take a taxi. Official cabs are available directly outside the arrivals area. A trip to Birmingham centre will take 20-30 minutes, but it will cost more than public transport. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer or use ride-sharing apps such as Uber.

By Car and Parking. The airport is located in immediate proximity to Junction 6 of the M42 motorway, making it easily accessible for motorists. The airport offers a wide range of parking options: from short-term car parks right by the terminal to more economical long-term parking, which is connected by free shuttles. It is strongly recommended to book a parking space online in advance — this helps save money and guarantees a spot.

Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is distinguished by a structure that is well-thought-out and convenient for passengers. Previously, the airport had two separate terminals, but in 2011 they were combined into one large and modern terminal. This change significantly simplified navigation and movement through the airport, as all flights — both domestic and international — are served under one roof.

The structure of the single terminal is intuitive. Check-in areas are divided into sectors (for example, Zones A and B), and your airline will indicate which one you need. After check-in, passengers proceed to a single security control area. Beyond it lies a spacious departure lounge with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and boarding gates. The arrivals area is located on the lower level and includes passport control, baggage reclaim belts, and customs inspection.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between terminals, which is a major plus for passengers with connecting flights or those travelling with a large amount of luggage. For ease of movement between the terminal building, Birmingham International railway station, and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the free automated Air-Rail Link train operates, departing every few minutes and delivering passengers to their destination in just a couple of minutes.

Passing through all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security, usually takes a reasonable amount of time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: at least 2 hours before domestic and European flights and 3 hours before long-haul international flights. During peak hours, for example, in the morning or during school holidays, there may be queues at security control, so it is better to allow extra time.

Clear signs in English are installed everywhere for navigation around the airport. To orient yourself, simply follow them. It is also useful to view the terminal map on the official airport website in advance. Thanks to the unified structure, getting lost in Birmingham Airport is practically impossible, making it one of the most comfortable for travellers in the United Kingdom.

The history of Birmingham International Airport (BHX) began on 8 July 1939, when it was officially opened as Elmdon Airport. Its original terminal, known as the Elmdon Building, was designed in the then-fashionable Art Deco style and served not only for passenger service but also as an air traffic control centre. With the outbreak of World War II, the airport was requisitioned for the needs of the Royal Air Force and used as an airbase and testing ground for new aircraft, such as the Lancaster and Stirling bombers.

After the war, in 1946, the airport returned to civil use, but real growth began in the post-war decades. In 1961, a new international terminal was built to cope with the growing flow of passengers, and by the 1970s the airport had become one of the busiest in the United Kingdom. A landmark event was the opening in 1984 of a new main terminal, which was personally conducted by Queen Elizabeth II. This expansion allowed for the handling of up to three million passengers a year and turned Birmingham into a major international aviation hub.

One of the airport's most notable achievements was the implementation of the world's first commercial magnetic levitation system — Maglev. Launched in 1984, it connected the terminal with the nearby Birmingham International railway station. Although the original system was replaced in 1995 by the more traditional cable-pulled Air-Rail Link, this experience made the airport a pioneer in the field of transport technology.

In the 21st century, the airport continued its development. In 2010, it was renamed from "Birmingham International Airport" to simply "Birmingham Airport" to emphasize its geographical location. A key modernisation was the extension of the runway in 2014, which allowed it to accommodate larger long-haul aircraft and opened direct flights to destinations around the world, from China to the West Coast of the USA. Today, Birmingham Airport is a modern complex that is constantly being updated while preserving its rich heritage and significant role in the history of British aviation.

Birmingham International Airport (BHX) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants, cafes, and dining areas to suit any taste — from fast food establishments to full-service restaurants. For shopping enthusiasts, stores are open, including Duty Free, where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs, as well as boutiques of famous brands.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need a quiet place to work, several business lounges and VIP zones operate at the airport. Access to them can be obtained for a fee, via loyalty cards, or with a business class ticket. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial matters can be easily resolved on the spot: ATMs and currency exchange points are located in the terminal. In case of unforeseen health situations, pharmacy kiosks and a medical centre where first aid can be obtained are provided. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres equipped with everything necessary for meetings are available.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with children. At their disposal are mother and child rooms for changing and feeding, as well as play areas where little ones can entertain themselves before the flight. For passengers with reduced mobility, special services are provided, including assistance in moving around the terminal. It is recommended to book the assistance service in advance by contacting your airline.

If you have an early departure or a long layover, you can stay at one of the hotels located directly on the airport grounds or in its immediate vicinity. Some of them are connected to the terminal by covered walkways, making them particularly convenient for resting between flights.

At Birmingham International Airport (BHX), travellers will find a wide selection of establishments where they can have a snack or a full lunch. Dining options are designed for any taste, budget, and amount of time you have before departure.

Before Security Control (Landside) the choice is somewhat limited, but here you can find popular coffee shops, such as Costa Coffee or Pret A Manger. This is an excellent option if you are seeing someone off or have arrived at the airport early. Here you can grab a coffee, a sandwich, or pastries. Prices in this zone are generally slightly lower than in the departure lounge.

After Security Control (Airside) the main variety of restaurants and cafes opens up.

• For a quick snack, the same Pret A Manger outlets are ideal, offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups, or cafes where you can order drinks and light snacks.
• For a full lunch or dinner, pay attention to Wetherspoon pubs (for example, "The Dragon's Lair"). Here you can try classic British dishes, such as fish and chips or a traditional English breakfast. Also, restaurants with international cuisine usually operate in the departure zone, for example, Giraffe, offering dishes from around the world in a bright family atmosphere.
• If you wish to relax with a drink, bars like All Bar One are at your service, offering a selection of beverages and light snacks.

Most establishments offer vegetarian and vegan options, which are clearly marked on the menu. With gluten-free or halal dishes, the situation may be more challenging, so it is recommended to clarify information with the staff of the specific restaurant. Regarding prices, a cup of coffee will cost approximately 3-4 pounds, and a full hot meal in a restaurant — 15-25 pounds. Most food outlets operate from the first to the last flight, however, full-service restaurants may close earlier than fast-food cafes.

To ensure your journey through Birmingham Airport goes smoothly, take advantage of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make waiting for your flight more comfortable.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within the United Kingdom and Europe — 2 hours before. This will give you enough time to go through all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: The fastest way to check in for a flight is online check-in, which usually opens 24-48 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Be prepared in advance to take all liquids out of your hand luggage in a transparent bag (up to 100 ml each) and large electronic devices.

Hand Luggage: Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance regarding weight and dimensions. Remember the strict restriction on carrying liquids. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, follow the signs for "Flight Connections" or "Transfers". They will lead you to the transit area, bypassing the main customs control and baggage claim area (if your luggage is checked through to the final destination).

Customs Control: Upon arrival in Birmingham from a country outside the UK, you will need to pass customs control. Use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you have goods subject to declaration.

Saving Time and Money: Book airport parking online in advance — it is often cheaper than paying on the spot. Using public transport, such as trains or buses, can also be more economical than a taxi.

In Case of Flight Delay: First of all, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be entitled to vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance may also cover unforeseen expenses.