Birmingham Airport has unveiled an ambitious £2bn master plan to more than double its annual passenger capacity to around 30 million by 2041.
The 15-year blueprint outlines a major expansion of the Midlands gateway, which handled a record 13.7 million passengers in 2025. Proposals include enlarging the terminal complex by 60%, increasing the number of aircraft stands to 75, upgrading taxiways and baggage-handling facilities, and improving public transport connections.
Crucially, the development would make greater use of Birmingham’s existing runway rather than requiring a second.
The airport estimates that the investment could generate an additional £3.6bn in gross value added for the West Midlands economy and support more than 50,000 jobs, including 3,800 on site.
Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton described the proposed investment as “unprecedented”, adding that the development would strengthen the region’s international connectivity and economic prospects.
However, Barton warned that delivering the plans would depend on a stable taxation and regulatory environment, highlighting rising operating costs and the recent doubling of the airport’s business rates bill.
The first phase of construction could begin in 2027, subject to the necessary approvals and investment. An eight-week public consultation will run until December 4, with the final master plan expected in early 2027.
