Birmingham Airport has announced a \u00a32bn expansion plan which bosses say could more than double passenger numbers and create thousands of jobs. <\/p>\n
The draft plan, a spokesperson said, sets out the use of existing runway capacity alongside “significantly enhanced” passenger facilities over the next 15 years. <\/p>\n
Unveiling an eight-week public consultation, chief executive Nick Barton said the scheme aims to ensure the airport was “ready for the future” but needed a “fair and stable taxation environment”. <\/p>\n
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the government was “backing our aviation sector to continue growing, right across the country”.<\/p>\n
In 2025, the airport said it had seen a record year with more than 13 million passengers travelling through it. Bosses want to see this rise by more than double, up to 30 million a year. <\/p>\n
Airport chiefs said the proposals set out a “clear commitment” to continue serving the region and create more than 50,000 jobs, including 3,800 at the airport site. <\/p>\n
They added that they wanted to make sure the growth was “delivered responsibly and sustainably” for the people living closes to the site. <\/p>\n
The first stage of development could start in 2027, with significant investments in areas such as baggage and terminal facilities, additional aircraft stands and improvements in surface access. <\/p>\n
Hundreds of passengers were affected by issues with the airport’s baggage system in August<\/a>, with many left without their luggage. <\/p>\n