Birmingham Airport has unveiled ambitious plans for a significant redevelopment of its departure lounge, set to introduce three new food outlets and a premium executive lounge throughout 2026. This major transformation aims to elevate the passenger experience by creating a more cohesive and connected airside terminal environment.
Strategic Reconfiguration for Enhanced Connectivity
The airport's development strategy involves a comprehensive reconfiguration of the airside space located between Gates 1 to 20 and the main Departures Lounge. This redesigned area will seamlessly integrate all sections of the terminal, facilitating smoother passenger flow and improving overall accessibility. By optimising the existing layout, the airport intends to create a more unified and efficient departure experience for travellers.
Wagamama Leads New Dining Offerings
Among the most notable additions is the introduction of Wagamama, one of the United Kingdom's most successful casual dining brands, making its debut at Birmingham Airport. The 363-square-metre restaurant, scheduled to open during the summer of 2026, will accommodate up to 180 diners simultaneously.
The establishment will feature Wagamama's renowned menu of pan-Asian inspired cuisine, including signature ramen dishes, flavourful rice bowls, and innovative plant-based options. For early morning travellers, the restaurant will offer an exclusive breakfast menu that combines traditional breakfast staples with creative Asian fusion dishes, providing a unique culinary experience before departure.
Executive Lounge and Diverse Hospitality Options
Complementing the new dining establishments, Birmingham Airport will introduce a dedicated executive business lounge within the revamped departure area. This premium facility is designed to cater to business travellers and those seeking enhanced comfort and amenities before their flights.
Richard Gill, Commercial Director of Birmingham Airport, emphasised the strategic importance of these developments: "We're delighted to announce these new openings in our departure lounge during this record period of growth at Birmingham Airport. From much-loved high-street brands to BHX-first exclusives, our new dining options will diversify our airside hospitality offerings and provide new pre-flight dining experiences."
Record Passenger Numbers Driving Development
The airport's expansion plans come amidst unprecedented growth, with Birmingham Airport reporting that 13,654,010 passengers travelled through its facilities in 2025 – the highest annual figure ever recorded in its history. This sustained increase in passenger traffic has prompted the investment in enhanced amenities and services.
Gill further explained: "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." The phased introduction of these new facilities throughout 2026 represents a significant milestone in the airport's ongoing commitment to modernising its infrastructure and services.
