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Aviation & aerospace
Aviation & aerospaceAirport terminal, expansion, modernization, airfield reconfiguration

Birmingham Airport Terminal Expansion (2018 Master Plan)

Birmingham, UK · 2019–2033 (initial plan); £300m investment 2025-2029 · £500 million (initial 2018 Master Plan); £300 million (committed investment 2025-2029)

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

The £500M expansion was paused in 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19, highlighting the vulnerability of large-scale projects to external factors. - A renewed £300m investment plan was announced for 2025-2029, focusing on continued growth and modernization. - The project aims to improve public and road transport access, including links to HS2. - Emphasis on sustainable programs, including a comprehensive heating and cooling system and fleet electrification.

Key engineering challenges

Managing a phased development program over 14 years to meet increasing passenger demand. - Integrating new terminal facilities with existing infrastructure while minimizing disruption to operations. - Designing a new terminal connection to the proposed HS2 interchange station. - Reconfiguring existing stands and adding new ones to accommodate larger aircraft. - Implementing innovative technology and 3D technologies to ensure minimal disruption during construction.

Project facts

Client / owner
Birmingham Airport Limited
Lead contractor
Mace (construction manager for initial phase); Atkins (lead designer and project manager for initial phase)
Lead designers
Atkins (lead designer for initial phase)
Project type
expansion | modernization | upgrade
Scale
Increase annual passenger handling capacity to 18 million by 2033; larger departure lounge with glazed mezzanine floor; improved baggage sorting facilities; new international arrivals corridor; new bus lounge; reconfigured stands; new parallel taxiway; additional aircraft stands; 2,000 new car parking spaces.
Disciplines
Civil; structural; architectural; airport planning; mechanical; electrical; systems; transport engineering
Standards & frameworks
UK Building Regulations; airport operational standards; HS2 integration standards

Sources: Airport Technology: Birmingham International Airport Expansion (https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/birmingham-international-airport-expansion/) - New Civil Engineer: £500M Birmingham Airport expansion paused (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/500m-birmingham-airport-expansion-paused-22-05-2020/) - Birmingham Airport: BHX Confirms £300m Growth Investment (https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/latest-news/birmingham-airport-bhx-confirms-gbp300m-investment-plan-as-further-growth/)