Major UK airport to launch thousands more night flights and it’s good news for budget passengers
THOUSANDS more night flights could launch at a major UK airport per year – meaning more budget airlines offering routes.
Birmingham Airport already serves 12 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 144 destinations.
According to the BBC, the airport is set to get extra night flights in a boost for low-cost airlines.
Birmingham Airport has argued night flying will provide “very substantial benefits” to the region’s economy.
Low-cost carriers based at the West Midlands airport aim to operate their aircraft for more hours, meaning more early morning and late night flights.
Flights departing and landing between 11pm and 6am will increase by 2.3 per cent, from five per cent to 7.3 per cent.
This will equate to roughly 3,000 extra flights per year, according to local newspaper Birmingham World.
The plans have been met with backlash by locals, with more than 200 members of the public objecting to the changes.
Despite this, Birmingham Airport’s application to increase its night flights matches national and local planning and aviation rules.
Solihull town councillors will meet next week on January 8 to discuss the changes with planners.
The news comes after Birmingham Airport announced it will make huge changes over the next nine years in a bid to serve more than 18 million passengers by 2033.
Bosses at the airport plan to reach the 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.
Several new European routes are also set to be introduced to destinations like Stuttgart, Oslo and Hamburg.
Last year, Brussels Airlines restarted its flights from Birmingham Airport after operations were suspended in early 2024.
Birmingham Airport is currently undergoing a £300million upgrade.
New security scanners, which were part of the upgrade, were installed at the airport last 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.
Meanwhile, this year, two new security lanes are also slated to open.
The huge multi-million-pound renovation project is running parallel to Birmingham Airport’s goal to be a net zero carbon airport by 2033.
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.
The UK government has approved plans to expand London City Airport.
London Stansted Airport has revealed plans to welcome another 20million in the next 16 years, ahead of a £1.1billion renovation.