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Birmingham Airport terminal & security guide

Birmingham used to have two terminals — now it's effectively one connected building. Here's how it actually works, including security tips and drop-off info.

2026-01-05 · 4 min read

Birmingham (BHX) is technically split into Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 but the two are joined by a linkway on the airside, and check-in is in one continuous hall. In practice, treat it as one terminal.

Check-in

All airlines check in from the same central hall. Signage above each row of desks tells you which airline is where. Emirates, TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, BA and all long-haul operators — all in the one space.

Security

A single central security channel serves both sides. In 2024 BHX rolled out new CT scanners meaning you don't have to remove liquids or laptops from your bag. Queues have got much shorter as a result — allow 30 minutes at peak (5–7am) and 15 minutes off-peak.

Drop-off

The premium drop-off right outside the terminal costs £6 for 15 minutes (included in our fixed fare). There's also a free drop-off in car park 3, a 5-minute shuttle ride away. We use the premium drop-off by default because the shuttle option adds a lot of hassle at 4am.

Getting to BHX from Nottingham

Straight down the M42 — around 1h 15min in normal traffic. The M42 J6 can be slow between 7:30 and 9am, so we build buffer time in.

Timing

  • Short-haul European: allow 2 hours before departure.
  • Long-haul (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, TUI Dreamliner): allow 3 hours.

See our full Birmingham Airport page for fixed prices from every Notts and Derbyshire town.

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