BHX reflects on August highs and lows as passenger numbers reach record levels

Dublin, Palma and Alicante were the most popular departures, with Dubai also making a return to the top five just ahead of Malaga, as many passengers took the opportunity for a summer getaway before the start of the new school year.

Low‑cost traffic continued to lead the way in August, with an 11% increase in passengers compared with the same month last year.

However, despite these impressive figures, the airport recognises that they came during a month when significant baggage disruption occurred. Early in the month, a fault in the X‑ray screening system, which is a critical part of the baggage safety system, meant that some bags did not travel on the same flight as their passengers. BHX worked tirelessly with its airline and handling agent partners to reunite bags to passengers as soon as possible.

BHX sincerely apologised to everyone affected by the disruption and recognises the frustration and inconvenience that this caused.

In more positive news for BHX, August saw the opening of the brand-new wagamama restaurant in the departure lounge. The pan-Asian restaurant gives passengers the option to sit down and enjoy a meal before their flight or pick up something to take with them on their journey.

The airport also celebrated an important milestone in its three-year partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, having now raised more than £200,000 of its £250,000 fundraising pledge, just 18 months into the partnership. BHX has several more fundraising activities planned over the coming months, including a Dragon Boat Race on the Birmingham canals set to take place later in September and the return of the airport’s successful charity dinner in October.

Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Birmingham Airport, said: “Although we are proud to have reached record passenger numbers again this month, we know that this will be no consolation to the passengers whose holidays were disrupted by the baggage fault in August. We once again sincerely apologise to everyone affected. We understand how important a holiday is and the frustration caused when passengers and their luggage are separated.

“Our priority throughout the incident was to maintain the highest standards of safety and security while working with our airline partners to reunite passengers with their bags as quickly as possible. The fault has since been fixed and baggage operations are running normally.

“Alongside resolving issues when they arise, we are continuing to invest in projects that will improve the passenger experience across the airport. One example is our programme of upgrades to five toilet blocks across the estate. Given the scale of the work, and the need to ensure we keep sufficient facilities available for passengers, we are refurbishing the blocks one at a time.

“We’re proud of what Birmingham Airport continues to achieve each month. Strong passenger numbers, new places to eat and shop, charity fundraising and ongoing improvements to our infrastructure all play a part in the airport’s growth.”

Top Routes August 2026

Dublin – 84,353

Palma – 81,161

Alicante – 55,598

Dubai – 48,515

Malaga – 47,755

Antalya – 45,564

Amsterdam – 43,337

Faro – 39,911

Tenerife – 38,485

Barcelona – 37,020