Although there is much talk about expanding Gatwick and Heathrow right now, it seems previously-shelved plans to develop Birmingham Airport might soon come under review by government officials again. This week the Birmingham Post reported that, as a result of future planned HS2 high speed rail links that will connect Birmingham Airport with the capital, the Prime Minister might be set to look at plans to expand the Midlands transport hub. This could help alleviate the air traffic around London, but how might this potential expansion affect Birmingham Airport users as well as local residents?
Birmingham Airport as a New South East Hub?
Although the effects of the HS2 rail link won’t be felt for another decade, it appears the potential for the planned Birmingham Airport link on the network has now been realised by government officials, with Treasury Minister Jim O’Neill urging Number 10 to take a fresh look at proposals. Although a Birmingham Airport expansion had been previously dismissed at an early stage, the fact that, after the planned 2026 opening of HS2, travelling times between the airport and the capital will drop to 40 minutes has clearly influenced this new move. According to reports, O’Neill has put the case to the Prime Minister that expanding Birmingham will send a positive signal about rebalancing the UK economy.
Future Repercussions
However, in spite of this seemingly positive move for the Midlands hub, back in 2013 it was decided that Birmingham Airport would not be operating to capacity until the 2040s and any expansion would lead to an increase in noise for a relatively high number of local residents. However, if the plans were to go ahead, this could well see an expansion in parking at Birmingham Airport too, meaning more choice for those passengers looking to travel to and from the airport.
Current Parking at Birmingham Airport
With the airport having just experienced its busiest year on record, the recently released passenger figures can only add to the argument for future Birmingham Airport expansion, and with more and more people using the Midlands hub whether it increases in size or not, parking at Birmingham Airport continues to be in high demand. Travellers seeking a good deal on a reputable parking solution can use a Birmingham Airport parking promo code, such as the ones available with Parking at Airports, to book their parking space in advance. This could secure them up to 72% off the standard price and offer the peace of mind they might not get when relying on public transport.
So whatever is in store for Birmingham Airport in the future, there are still positives to take from its current success and parking provision, especially for those passengers who will always choose to use Birmingham Airport as the preferred departure point.