Some Birmingham Airport passengers face new 'extended wait times' at peak times starting from today

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced that its Air-Rail Link monorail service, which connects the airport terminal to Birmingham International Train Station, will operate with a single shuttle until February 2026. This reduction in service, down from the usual two shuttles, is due to essential planned maintenance on the monorail system. Passengers are advised to anticipate longer wait times, particularly during peak travel periods. The monorail typically operates every six minutes between 3:30 AM and 12:30 AM daily.

The airport acknowledges the potential disruption this may cause, especially for travelers arriving or departing by train, a popular mode of transport to and from BHX. Birmingham Airport recommends that passengers allocate extra time for their journeys to accommodate the anticipated delays. The Air-Rail Link is a free service that normally provides a two-minute journey between the terminal and the train station.

While the monorail operates on a reduced schedule, BHX has indicated that alternative safe walking routes are available between the airport terminal and Birmingham International Train Station. Passengers who prefer not to wait for the monorail can utilize these routes as an alternative. The airport has communicated these changes through its social media channels, specifically X, to ensure passengers are informed and prepared for the altered service.

This maintenance work underscores the importance of maintaining airport infrastructure to ensure long-term operational efficiency and safety. While the reduced monorail service may inconvenience some passengers in the short term, the upgrades are intended to improve the reliability and performance of the system in the future. Birmingham Airport is actively managing the situation by providing alternative options and communicating proactively with travelers.