Birmingham Airport History

Birmingham Airport History

Birmingham International Airport

Was opened in July 1939 at Elmdon, Birmingham . Birmingham Airport is owned and operated by Birmingham City Council as a municipal airport. It was designed to meet the needs of all residents nearby and the industry of Birmingham city.

The second World War was about to start so Birmingham International airport was ceased to be used by the Air Ministry. Still under
government control Birmingham airport reopened for civil flying in 1946. Birmingham City council took over responsibility once again and in the 1960s International flights became available, the airports terminals and runway were expanded.
Birmingham airport was growing so fast that it became evident that a long term solution was needed. By 1984 the main terminal was opened with capacity for £3 million passengers.

By 1991 a second terminal was needed as the growth of Birmingham airport continued. Terminal 2 The Eurohub was born, the Eurohub was developed in the United States for domestic operations. Eurohub took over the complications of customs and immigration, which previously demanded separate terminals. It was the first terminal in the world to combine domestic and International passengers.

In 1993 government public sectors borrowing restrictions meant that future development could be funded only by private sector finances.
Therefore the local authority shareholders decided to reduce there shares in Birmingham International airport to below 50% in order to
restructure and make it possible to finance its £260 million development programme.

Birmingham International Airport