Birmingham Airport’s new ‘One Terminal’ has been hailed as a key component in establishing the airport as a global gateway.

That was the verdict of airport chief Paul Kehoe as the new facility was formally opened by the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond.

‘One Terminal’ is a result of a £13m redevelopment to merge the airport’s two terminals into a single facility in a bid to improve operational capabilities and the customer experience.

The investment has led to the development of a larger centralised passenger security search area, an enlarged arrivals and onward travel facility, and an enhanced retail and catering offer, including a 20,000 sq.ft walk-through World Duty Free store.

The new facility is the latest phase of a £100m redevelopment of the airport, which includes the construction of a new international pier, a 3,365 multi-storey car park, taxiway improvements and an air traffic control tower, due to be open in 2013.

In the next decade it will invest a further £100 million to help achieve its vision for the future.

Mr Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “This investment places Birmingham Airport in a unique position to meet the anticipated growth in future air travel and offers an alternative for those tired of taking long and stressful road journeys to reach other UK airports. 

"It showcases the airport as the region’s global gateway; not only to the Midlands but also the wider catchment and shows that it’s a viable alternative to London and Manchester.

“Birmingham is increasingly being acknowledged as a strategic national asset, which should form part of an integrated transport system.