Airport could build new terminal beside HS2 Birmingham Interchange station

It would mean passengers would be able to walk from a train straight into the airport to board their flights.

With the proposed Birmingham Interchange HS2 station just 38 minutes from London, it could see the West Midlands airport attracting millions of additional passengers keen to avoid Heathrow or Gatwick once the £55bn rail scheme starts running in 2026.

A masterplan for new development at the airport is currently being drawn up but it is understood a terminal at the Interchange station is one of the options being looked at.

An airport spokesperson said: “HS2 will give our region an enormous opportunity to develop a truly integrated transport network that supports the continued growth of our region’s connectivity and aids travellers.

"It’s therefore vital that we maximise the benefits of its arrival in 2026, at which time Birmingham Airport will become the UK’s first high-speed connected airport and its catchment area will be dramatically enlarged into central London, giving it an increasingly national role.

“The airport is currently undergoing a master planning process to explore and preserve options for the long term future of Midlands air travel.

"This exercise is not only exploring options to maximise the existing site but also future expansion opportunities and how it makes the most of this unique position with HS2 to ensure that all growth and infrastructure considerations are aligned to ultimately benefit the region’s businesses, workers and residents.”

Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe has made no secret of his aim to use HS2 to attract more passengers.

The airport has already undergone major development in recent years, extending its runway, building a new air traffic control tower, car parking, hotels and passenger facilities. The new HS2 station would be built across the M42 and plans would see passengers using a 'rapid transit people mover' to reach the airport.

But, interviewed by the Express & Star back in 2011, Paul Kehoe was already mulling even more ambitious plans. He said at the time: “We would consider moving the airport buildings to the other side of the NEC to sit on top of the HS2 station and create a transport interchange. It would free up space on the normal rail network to carry more freight rather than on the clogged motorways – and we are not going to see any more motorways being built.”

Newly elected Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street is also backing expansion for the airport, which could include a second runway that would allow it to serve 55 million passengers by 2050.

But it has not been all smooth sailing for HS2. Most recently reports revealed the extend of spending on public relations by the company behind the high speed rail link, running into tens of thousands of pounds for coasters, T-shorts and tickets to party conferences as well hundreds spent on monitoring social media.

Construction work on the scheme is due to start this year.