Mayor of the West Midlands Backs Direct US Flights from Birmingham Airport
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, has expressed his support for the announcement made by Birmingham Airport (BHX) to offer a financial support package for airlines that establish direct connectivity between BHX and New York. This initiative aims to strengthen the airport’s commitment to long haul flights and the desire to reinstate the direct transatlantic route, especially with the upcoming Invictus Games in 2027.
According to data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, there is a significant lack of direct scheduled services to the US, with around 485,000 US-bound passengers from the West Midlands having to use other UK airports every year. In 2024, over 1. 88 million passengers from the wider Birmingham catchment area traveled to the US, which is equivalent to more than 5,100 passengers daily.
To address this issue, Birmingham Airport has proposed a multi-year financial support offer, investing several million dollars to secure direct, daily scheduled services between New York and BHX, starting from summer 2027 in time for the Invictus Games. The offer also includes marketing support and operational incentives to ensure the success of the new route.
Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport, stated, “We have been in discussions with airlines and have been reassured that it is not a question of if, but when, direct US connectivity will return to BHX. Now is the time to turn these conversations into a critical connection as the demand and business case has been proven. This unique financial offer demonstrates our determination to secure the return of this direct US route, which would be transformational for the West Midlands.
Direct US connectivity is a top priority for Birmingham Airport, reflecting the strong demand and pressure from businesses, regional investors, universities, and exporters. Mayor Richard Parker also expressed his full support for this initiative, stating, “Direct US flights from Birmingham Airport would deliver significant benefits for trade, tourism, and inward investment, which is what this region is all about. The airport’s financial offer sends a strong signal that the region wants to be open for global business, and every effort needs to be made to re-establish this critical connection.
Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, also shared his support for the return of direct US flights. He noted, “Since the last direct route was in place, we have seen a significant growth in US interest in the West Midlands. American capital has been invested in the transformation of Birmingham City Football Club and its wider Sports Quarter, while the creative and media industry around Digbeth has raised the region’s global profile and attracted major production companies. Improved access to the US will strengthen our global competitiveness and draw investment, talent, and visitors to our region.
The West Midlands region has a thriving economy worth £77bn and is home to major companies and exporters such as Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Aston Martin, and Safran