While Birmingham Airport serves over 13 million passengers annually and continues to invest significantly in infrastructure, a major component remains absent - a safe, engaging, and purpose-built viewing area for the public and aviation enthusiasts.

Across the UK, viewing areas have proven their popularity and commercial viability. For example, Manchester Airport’s “Runway Visitor Park” attracts over 300,000 visitors per year and ranks among Greater Manchester’s top 10 visitor attractions. A similar facility at BHX has the potential to meet - and even exceed - this success, given the airport’s unique heritage and location.

Birmingham and the surrounding region hold significant historical aviation value:

• The Spitfire was manufactured at Castle Bromwich, just down the road.
• Avro Lancaster and Stirling bombers, built at Cofton Hackett, were brought to Elmdon for final assembly and departure.
• The airport itself has evolved from its roots at Elmdon into today’s modern international facility.

These stories deserve to be told - and a visitor centre could be the perfect place to tell them.

As a lifelong plane spotter, I appreciate the spaces currently available around the airport perimeter. However, a dedicated facility would greatly enhance the experience - not just for enthusiasts, but for families, tourists, and locals who might not consider themselves aviation fans yet.

It would be a place where people of all ages could come and enjoy the sights, sounds, and stories of flight - in comfort and safety.

A viewing facility at Birmingham Airport is an opportunity waiting to happen. It would:

• Celebrate and preserve Birmingham’s rich aviation heritage.
• Provide a safe, engaging, and family-friendly attraction.
• Offer a sustainable source of income and community value.
• Be a visible and proud part of the airport’s future, not just its past.

Let’s make it happen.