Major UK airport reveals £300million renovation plans – with hopes to launch more transatlantic flights
A MAJOR airport has revealed its multi-million-pound renovation project, which will see more long-haul routes introduced.
Birmingham Airport will make huge changes over the next nine years in a bid to serve more than 18 million passengers by 2033.
The Solihull-based airport already serves 12 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 144 destinations.
According to TTG Media, Birmingham Airport bosses plan to reach its new passenger target by launching flights to a host of new destinations.
New flights will reportedly serve long-haul destinations like New York, Toronto, Mumbai and Hong Kong.
A direct service from Birmingham Airport to New York used to operate until United Airlines suspended the route in 2017.
TUI is the only airline that currently flies a direct route from Birmingham Airport to America, with services landing in Orlando.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport stopped flying to Hong Kong, following the closure of Kai Tak Airport in 1998.
Airport bosses hope to introduce several new European routes to destinations like Stuttgart, Oslo and Hamburg.
Earlier this week, Brussels Airlines restarted its flights from Birmingham Airport after operations were suspended earlier this year.
Given the push to increase its passenger capacity, a new street food restaurant called Chaiiwala opened at the airport earlier this year.
Another new dining option is set to open in December, with more restaurants slated to open next year.
Part of the £300million upgrade includes the new security scanners, which were installed at the airport earlier this year.
The new CT scanners eliminate the need to remove liquids or electronics from hand luggage – although passengers need to stick to 100ml liquid restrictions.
Two new security lanes are slated to open at the airport next year.
The huge multi-million-pound renovation project is running parallel to Birmingham Airport’s goal to be a net zero carbon airport by 2033.
So far, £9.7million has been invested in an on-site solar farm with 12,000 panels.
The new solar farm will provide 20 per cent of the airport’s electrical power, making sure the airport is less reliant on the National Grid.
This solar panel farm hopes to save 1,285 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Additional electric vehicle charging stations are also being installed at the airport as well as energy-efficient lighting.
Meanwhile, several airports in the UK are also undergoing huge revamps to help improve passenger experiences.
One of those places is Bristol Airport where a huge five-year overhaul is set to take place.
The main improvement will be increasing the terminal size, which will increase by 70 per cent.
It follows a record number of people travelling through the airport, welcoming 10million passengers in 12 months for the first time.
My View: Three Places to visit in Birmingam
The Sun’s Travel Reporter Hope Brotherton, who is from Birmingham, has revealed her top places to hit up when she’s in the city.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of my favourite haunts is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which recently reopened to the public following a huge renovation.
Head to the museum to get your fill of Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Birmingham Back to Backs
Across the city centre is Birmingham Back to Backs, a tiny brick courtyard hidden behind the Hippodrome and has recently been named the UK’s best hidden gem attraction.
The houses, which were largely used by working class families, easily transport visitors back to the 1930s.
From the faux wallpaper to the tins of custard, the devil certainly is in the detail.
Cadbury World
Earlier this year, the Bournville attraction welcomed its first new ride in 27 years – the Cadbury Chocolate Quest.
My family and I couldn’t stop laughing as we fired our laser guns at interactive screens.
Our endeavours to shoot at ingredients were justly rewarded when we were presented with a bar of dairy milk as we disembarked.
Ryanair recently launched a route from Newcastle to Marrakech.
Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.