Media office

Birmingham International Airport (BIA) welcomes Sir Rod Eddington’s report, which supports the expansion of Airports for business purposes. The report highlights the role of such airports in providing ‘Global Gateways’ - which have a positive impact on regional economies.

BIA has the largest proportion of business traffic of any UK airport outside London, and regional stakeholders see expansion of the Airport – and in particular, a runway extension - as being a high priority to prevent the Midlands becoming increasingly uncompetitive on the World stage.

The Eddington Report, also outlines the need for a sustainable approach to aviation which takes full account of environmental and social factors – an approach that BIA adopted some time ago.

Managing Director, Richard Heard, said, “Birmingham International Airport is pleased that the Eddington report recognises the key role that aviation plays in the UK economy and the real catalyst that international connectivity can provide for regional employment and prosperity.

“Although people use BIA for many reasons, it is often overlooked that we have the highest proportion of business travel of any Airport outside London.

“We believe in growth but not at any price – that’s why, unlike some regional airports, BIA has already spent tens of millions of pounds on integrated public transport infrastructure.

“Expansion at Birmingham – in line with the Government’s Aviation White Paper - not only makes economic sense for the region but maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach towards development will reduce the pressure elsewhere to develop unsuitable airports with poor public transport links."

The Eddington report has also highlighted that every £1 of Government money invested in surface access schemes to International gateways, there is a £6 return.