Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport: There’s No Place Like Home

Introduction

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM) is the main airport serving Birmingham (and its surrounding metropolitan areas, such as Tuscaloosa) in the state of Alabama. The airport, which is five miles northeast of downtown Birmingham, is conveniently situated at an interchange of Interstates 20 and 59. Named in July 2008 after the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a prominent civil rights leader, the airport has become Alabama’s largest and most heavily trafficked in passenger volume, serving more than 3 million travelers in 2023. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, including its airlines and passenger statistics as well as transportation options, terminal details, amenities, and travel tips.

Airlines and Destinations

A number of major airlines currently serve Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. These carriers offer a variety of domestic flights to more than 30 locations within the United States. The airport has about 100 flights per day and is a key gateway for business and leisure travelers. And although the airport has the designation of an international airport and has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, there are currently no scheduled international flights. However, it has previously offered seasonal flights to destinations in the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico.

The Number of Flights/Passengers

(Reuters) – Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport handled a record 3,056,215 passengers in 2023 to remain Alabama's busiest airport. Passenger growth continued at the airport, with a significant 8% increase in the first four months of 2024 over the same period in 2023. This growth represents the importance of the airport as one of the main gateways for travelers in the region, a facilitator of domestic and international travel.

How to Get Here

Reaching Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is easy due to its location near interstates. Accessing the airport can be done via Interstate 20 or 59, which connects to different areas of Birmingham and beyond. Travelers using public transportation have the option of taking a bus service to the airport by way of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), which is an inexpensive way to get in and out of the airport.

Parking

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport provides multiple parking arrangements for flyers. The airport has lots for both short-term and long-term parking available, including the Economy Lot, which offers the lowest parking rate of $10 per day. If you prefer not to use your own vehicle, the airport also offers a pickup/drop-off area. There are also secure off-airport parking services like Alabama Airport Parking that provide parking services along with shuttle transfer to the terminal.

Transportation Price

Transportation to/from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has different prices depending on its form. Taxi fares from downtown Birmingham to the airport are generally between $20 and $30, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft may have competing fares. The bus service of the BJCTA is the cheapest, with public transportation costs (one fare is usually $1.50).

Terminal Layout

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport terminal building has two concourses — Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A services mainly American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Efficiency is the name of the game at the terminal, allowing travelers to easily traverse between amenities and gates.

Navigate the Airport

You can get through Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport easily enough, with straightforward signage and a simple layout. Inside the terminal, travelers will find check-in counters and security checkpoints as well as access to both concourses. Its design reduces walking distance, making it easy for travelers to get to gates or amenities quickly.

Getting Between Terminals

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has one terminal with two concourses, so no inter-terminal transportation is required. Traveling between Concourse A and Concourse B is easy and convenient.

Services and Amenities

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport wants to ensure the travel experience for all its passengers - including our furry friends - is as comfortable as possible. Airport facilities include free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and seating areas. Travelers can also find information desks where friendly personnel are happy to help with any questions.

Restaurants and Shops

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport also offers travelers a selection of dining and shopping experiences. The airport has multiple restaurants and cafes that cover all kinds of food, from quick bites to sit-down dinners. Local favorites and national chains are good options to provide passengers and travelers alike with choices that suit their fancy. Along with dining, the airport has shops catering to travel needs, souvenirs, and local products, so travelers can pick up items in their last-minute hours before flying.

Security and Customs

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport makes passenger safety and security a priority. There is a simple security process at the airport with several lanes to speed up the detection. Although the airport currently has no international flights, it does have an onsite U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for future international travel.

Accessibility

We want Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to be accessible for all travelers. PWD Service: This airport offers special arrangements for people with disabilities that include parking, toilet, and seating arrangements. Above all, airport staff are trained to help those with special needs so everyone can have a comfortable and accommodating trip.

Travel Tips

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport travel tips: how to maximize your airport experience

• Arrive Early: Special event or not, to avoid any unnecessary stresses, plan to be at the airport at least two hours (more during peak travel seasons) prior to departure.
• Check Flight Status: Be sure to check your flight status on your airport’s website or via flight tracking apps.
• Take Advantage of Parking Options: Look into the different kinds of parking options available, such as economy and long-term parking — which suit you best?
• Explore Dining Options: Fill up at airport dining and shopping opportunities or grab any last-minute items prior to your flight.
• Stay Connected: The airport offers free Wi-Fi service so you can check your email or the news as you wait to board your flight.

Conclusion

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is a major air transportation center for the Birmingham metropolitan area and much of Central Alabama. The airport is also well-positioned to meet the needs of passengers, with its prime location and range of available airlines, as well as its focus on passenger well-being. Whether flying for business or pleasure, BHM provides a smooth travel experience that starts the moment you arrive at the airport!