The problem with being the UK’s 6th largest airport are numerous. Apart from being stuck between two major hubs (Manchester to the top, London below) and a major cargo hub to the right (EMA), there is the problem of the runway at Birmingham Airport.
Namely, it’s a postage stamp and it’s not really suitable for very long haul services to take off from.
Well the expansion of the runway has taken a step closer with a road improvement scheme that will divert the A45, improve access to the train station, and if all goes acording to plan – allow an upgrade of the single runway that exists at BHX.
Centro (The local travel agency) has ponied up £10.7M already. The Regional Growth fund has funnelled an extra £15.4m to the project, leaving a comparatively small amount £7m for the airport to fund for the infrastructure costs.
Subject to consulatiations and completions of work, Birmingham Airport is hopeful the extension would be operational by 2014.
