Birmingham Airport is now a one terminal facility, giving all passengers a better journey, from check-in to their aircraft.

The change comes on the day the Airport celebrates the first monthly rise in passengers for almost two years, following a 0.2% increase in January.

All departing passengers will now go through a new combined security search area and inbound passengers will arrive into a single meeting & greeting area.

Further work will see the opening of a brand new duty free shopping area and fashion house in the next few months. 

These changes will significantly improve the Airport's capability and provide a great platform for future growth.

Will Heynes, the Airport's Operations Director explained, "The £13m investment puts the airport in a stronger position to attract new customers and showcase the airport as the region's global gateway; not only to the Midlands but also the wider catchment and show that it's a viable alternative to London and Manchester.

"Our goal for 2011 is to improve the passenger experience and this project will create a smoother journey through the terminal and improve our overall efficiency. Over the next 10 years we will invest a further £100 million in our facilities, which will help us achieve our vision of doubling our passenger numbers by 2018."

From today, departing passengers should check the flight information screens within the terminal for their appropriate check-in desk. Passengers taking hand luggage only, and that have already competed on-line or self service check-in, can proceed directly to the newly enlarged security search area.

Will Heynes continued, "Although the scheme will not be fully completed until July this year, the transition into a single terminal facility is a major milestone for the company. It has been a very challenging project with many complicated activities taking place in a 24 hour environment. A great deal of hard work by everyone involved has produced a great new facility, on programme, on time, and with minimal passenger disruption."

During January 2011, the Airport handled 522,769 passengers, including 431,564 scheduled passengers and 91,205 charter passengers. This represents a 0.2% rise in passenger figures compared to January 2010, and is a welcome boost to the Airport.