Birmingham Airport's £500M expansion could need overhaul following HS2 review

Birmingham Airport's plans for major £500M expansion could need to be redrawn if the scope of HS2 is changed following a review into the project, New Civil Engineer understands.

The airport launched an ambitious masterplan in 2018 which was focused on maximising the opportunities that HS2 brought to the region and link up with the new interchange station, which is located 2km from the airport. However if the HS2 project is scapped Birmingham may be forced to review forecasts for surface access to the airport.

The ambitious expansion plans include a larger departures lounge, a new baggage sorting area, improved arrivals and additional aircraft stands. Close alignment with HS2 has formed part of the airport's thinking for almost a decade. In 2012 the airport launched a consultation on moving it's terminal buildings to be closer to the new interchange station built for HS2.

According to Birmingham Airport’s own projections, passenger numbers are expected to rise from 11.8M passengers per year in 2016, to 18M by 2033. During that time however the proportion of people travelling to the airport by rail was expected to increase from 23.1% of the total - which equates to 2.67M passengers - to 30.8% or 5.54M.

The strategy stated: "High Speed 2 has received Royal Assent and is planned to be in operation by 2026, giving Birmingham Airport the unique distinction of being the only airport linked directly to the high-speed rail network. This will provide a direct connection to the centre of London allowing passengers to travel by rail from London Euston to the Interchange Station in 38 minutes.

"Most importantly, HS2 will also release capacity on the West Coast Main Line for more train connections between the Airport and the region and beyond."

The review into HS2 announced by the government includes a full analysis of options to either re-scope the project or find cost savings.

One industry consultant said: "If they stop it [HS2] completely it will be a disaster for Birmingham. Not just for the airport but the rejuvination of the city as well. All their expansion plans were predicated around HS2 being built."

An airport spokesperson said: “We are growing 3% year on year as more people choose to travel from Birmingham and our terminal capacity today is constrained at peak times. The first phase of the terminal extension is underway to address this and over the next three years we will invest around £170m on this phase.

"Although HS2 will be a valuable addition to our surface access strategy as it would free up capacity on the existing West Coast Main Line, it will not be the only catalyst for the 2.4% average passenger growth rate over the next 15 years.

"Our master plan outlines how we develop the terminal to provide the facilities and service for our passengers as well as the air connectivity needed for the Midlands. We support the development of HS2 to provide the rail connectivity and capacity required for the entire country and to help to rebalance the UK economy, and we would support the project to be completed in its entirety.”
Areas of the review that could affect the Airport include re-prioritising the project so that northern sections are delivered before southern parts of the route, reducing the speed of the line, making Old Oak Common the only London Terminus.

The government has also opened up the option of cancelling the HS2 project altogether. The review is due by the autumn.

Plans for a 2.4km automated people mover to connect the new HS2 station with the airport were unveiled by HS2 in July.

The integrated rail and airport route would allow people to travel from Euston to the interchange in 38 minutes. The new connection would allow Birmingham Airport to compete with Heathrow and Gatwick as a viable option for passengers from London and the South East flying abroad.

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