Flying out of Birmingham Airport just gets better and better, as a swathe of changes is coming to BHX throughout 2026. Located between Gates 1 to 20 and the main Departures Lounge, the airside terminal is being transformed with a variety of new openings for passengers.
The new expanded development looks to not only significantly broaden the regional transport hub’s dining offerings, but will also include a new executive business lounge—a sign of the airport’s growing business travel market. A new walkway will transform the area with greater natural light and enhanced views of the runway, too.
News of the expansion follows a record-breaking 2025 for Birmingham Airport, with 13,654,010 passengers travelling throughout the year. This trajectory is set to continue with the publication of the airport’s Masterplan later this year, which will outline a long-term vision for the airport’s growth and transformation through to 2041.
To get a better look at what to expect, Birmingham Airport has shared concept imagery in a video here:
What new restaurants are coming to Birmingham Airport?
So far, only one new restaurant has been announced, but all three will cater for a variety of dietary preferences. Wagamama, one of the UK’s most successful casual chains for pan-Asian inspired cuisine, is among those landing at BHX. The 363m² restaurant will provide capacity for 180 diners when it opens this summer.
Wagamama will continue to serveits iconic menu of ramen, rice bowls and plant-based dishes. And, as with its other restaurants in travel locations, early morning flyers have the chance to sample an exclusive breakfast menu featuring innovative Asian fusion-inspired dishes. alongside popular breakfast staples.
“We’re delighted to announce these new openings in our departure lounge during this record period of growth at Birmingham Airport, including Wagamama,” said Richard Gill, Commercial Director of Birmingham Airport. “From much-loved high-street brands to BHX-first exclusives, our new dining options will diversify our airside hospitality options and provide new pre-flight dining experiences.
“By effectively reconfiguring space, the new development will also improve the passenger experience with a cohesive and connected departures lounge. We look forward to sharing further details of our new openings soon.”