Birmingham Airport is one of the UK’s busiest international airports, serving more than 13 million passengers each year - yet it still lacks a proper public aircraft viewing area for families, visitors, and aviation enthusiasts.

Across the UK, airport viewing facilities have become popular visitor attractions and community spaces. Manchester Airport’s “Runway Visitor Park”, for example, attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually and has become one of Greater Manchester’s most successful tourist attractions.

Birmingham has the aviation heritage, public interest, and regional identity to support something similar.

The West Midlands has played an important role in British aviation history. The Spitfire was built at nearby Castle Bromwich, while Avro Lancaster and Stirling bombers constructed at Cofton Hackett were transported to Elmdon for final assembly and departure. Birmingham Airport itself has evolved from its origins at Elmdon into the major international airport we know today.

Historic events such as Concorde visits to Birmingham Airport also demonstrated the region’s strong public interest in aviation, attracting huge crowds and bringing together enthusiasts, families, visitors, and the wider community.

While informal viewing locations currently exist around the airport perimeter, many supporters believe Birmingham deserves a more accessible, comfortable, and officially supported public viewing space.

A dedicated viewing area could:

• Celebrate and preserve Birmingham’s aviation heritage
  Provide a safe, engaging, and family-friendly attraction
  Strengthen the airport’s connection with the local community
  Support tourism and visitor engagement in the West Midlands
  Inspire future generations interested in aviation and engineering

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.

Birmingham Airport has grown enormously over the decades. A dedicated public viewing area would be a fitting addition to its future — not just for aviation enthusiasts, but for the city and region as a whole.

Please support this petition if you believe Birmingham Airport should have a proper public aircraft viewing area for future generations to enjoy.