Birmingham Airport contributes £3.75bn to local economy, report reveals

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is delivering £3.75 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy and supports 57,000 jobs in the region, according to a newly launched economic report.

The ‘UK Central Airport Gateway Report’, has been launched as BHX recently announced its draft Master Plan detailing a £2bn investment that will secure around 30m passengers between now and 2041.

The report, created with York Aviation, also underscores Birmingham Airport's critical role in facilitating international trade in the region. Over the last decade, cargo has experienced an exponential rise from 5,100 tonnes in 2014, to 62,000 in 2024 with £670,000 per tonne in exporter value being delivered.

Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport said: "This report clearly demonstrates that Birmingham Airport is far more than a departure point for holidaymakers; it is an economic powerhouse. Delivering £3.75bn in GVA and supporting 57,000 jobs shows the sheer scale of our contribution to the region.

“Crucially, safeguarding £670,000 per tonne for our exporters proves that we are a vital lifeline for British trade, linking our world-class local industries to global markets." 

This is particularly timely as the airport attends World Routes, meeting future network planners across the globe looking at connectivity for the future.

It also follows news that Ryanair has announced a further based aircraft at the airport for Winter 2026, servicing five additional routes as Ryanair passenger growth is up by 20 per cent at the transport hub.  

Visit the website for more information, on the Draft Master Plan.

Public consultation on the draft Master Plan has entered its second week where feedback and suggestions from members of the public will be considered.

A final plan will be published in 2027 summarising what was heard, how feedback was considered, and how it has influenced the final Master Plan and future funding commitments.