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Birmingham Airport (BHX) is one of the UK's busiest regional airports. It has direct flights to beach resorts, European cities and major long-haul hubs. For many people in the Midlands, it means a short trip to the airport instead of a long drive to London.
This guide covers where you can fly direct, which airlines fly each route, and how long flights take. It also shows how to compare the full cost of your trip before you book.
Birmingham Airport's code is BHX. The airport is in the West Midlands, about eight miles east of Birmingham city centre. It has one terminal, and it offers direct flights across Europe, the Middle East and India, plus one-stop links to much of the world.
Birmingham Airport currently lists 155 destinations. That list mixes direct routes with popular one-stop long-haul options. Independent route trackers put the direct network at roughly 135 to 140 destinations, depending on the season.
| Airport | Birmingham Airport (BHX) |
| Location | West Midlands, near the M42 and Birmingham International station |
| Terminals | One terminal for all flights |
| Destinations listed by BHX | 155 (direct and popular one-stop routes combined) |
| Direct long-haul examples | Dubai, Doha, Delhi, Amritsar, Jeddah, Riyadh |
| Popular holiday routes | Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Canary Islands, Malta, Greece, Portugal |
| Popular city breaks | Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Prague, Rome, Kraków |
| One-stop hubs | Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Jeddah |
Routes change with the season, so always check the current timetable for your dates.
You can fly direct from Birmingham to most major European holiday spots, many European capitals, and a small but useful set of long-haul cities. The long-haul routes focus on the Gulf and India. For places further away, such as Thailand or Australia, you connect once through a hub.
The network changes between summer and winter. Summer adds more Greek islands, Turkish resorts and Croatian coast routes. Winter adds ski routes such as Geneva, Salzburg and Innsbruck, plus Lapland trips to Rovaniemi.
Birmingham's direct long-haul routes include:
Dubai with Emirates
Doha with Qatar Airways
Delhi and Amritsar with Air India
Jeddah and Riyadh, both listed by Birmingham Airport
There are also leisure long-haul routes to places such as Cancun and Jamaica, mainly with TUI. These are holiday-focused and can vary by season.
Sun and beach routes are the core of the BHX network. Direct destinations currently listed include:
Spain: Alicante, Málaga, Palma, Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona, Valencia and more
Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria
Turkey: Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, Izmir and Istanbul
Greece: Corfu, Crete (Chania and Heraklion), Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Kefalonia and Santorini
Portugal: Faro, Lisbon, Porto and Madeira
Morocco: Marrakech and Agadir
Malta, Cyprus and Egypt: including Paphos, Larnaca, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
Short flights make Birmingham a handy base for weekends away. Current city routes include Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, Prague, Rome, Berlin, Budapest, Kraków, Vienna, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Milan. Most of these are under three hours in the air.
TravelApp can help you compare flights from Birmingham by airline, date and total cost, whether you want a beach week or a long-haul trip.
Compare Flights from Birmingham
Birmingham has fewer long-haul routes than Heathrow. But the routes it has are strong, and they connect to hundreds of onward cities. Dubai, Doha and Istanbul act as gateways to Asia, Africa and Australia.
Can you fly direct from Birmingham to Dubai? Yes. Emirates currently flies direct from Birmingham Airport to Dubai International Airport (DXB). The flight takes about seven hours, according to Birmingham Airport.
Direct flights from Birmingham to Dubai are one of the airport's key long-haul links. Emirates is the only airline Birmingham Airport lists as flying the route direct. Emirates has its own check-in area at BHX, Zone D.
Connecting options. Birmingham Airport also lists KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines for one-stop Dubai flights from Birmingham. These go via Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Istanbul. A connection can sometimes cost less, but it adds hours to the trip.
Direct or one stop? Direct usually makes sense if:
you are travelling with children or older relatives
you have a short trip and want to save time
you want fewer chances of missed connections or lost bags
A connection may make sense if the saving is large, or if you want a stopover.
Baggage. Full-service airlines often include checked bags, but the allowance depends on the fare. Check the kilos included, not just the price.
When you travel matters. Birmingham Airport lists Dubai's high season as November to March. That is when the weather is cooler and demand is higher. School holidays also push up prices. If your dates are flexible, compare a few options side by side.
Flight or package? Many people flying BHX to DXB also need a hotel. A flight and hotel package can be worth comparing against booking each part yourself.
Comparing Dubai flights from Birmingham? Check the fare, baggage allowance and travel times together rather than choosing on the headline ticket price alone. You can explore flights to the UAE with TravelApp and ask the team to compare direct and connecting options for your dates.
Birmingham has direct flights to India, to Delhi and Amritsar, both with Air India. These are currently the only direct routes from Birmingham to India. Other Indian cities need a connection.
For many families in the West Midlands, these routes are important. They avoid the extra trip to Heathrow and cut total travel time.
Air India flies direct from Birmingham to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Birmingham Airport gives the flight time as about 7 hours 55 minutes. Delhi's high season is listed as October to March.
TravelApp has a dedicated page for flights to Delhi if you want to compare options.
Air India also flies direct from Birmingham to Amritsar (ATQ), about 8 hours 5 minutes. This is one of very few direct UK links to Punjab. That makes Birmingham to Amritsar flights popular with Sikh and Punjabi families visiting relatives and the Golden Temple.
Other Indian cities. To reach cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru or Kolkata, you will usually connect through Delhi, Dubai, Doha or Istanbul. Compare the total journey time, not just the fare.
There are no direct flights from Birmingham to Pakistan currently listed by Birmingham Airport. Most travellers fly with one stop, usually via Doha, Dubai or Istanbul.
PIA restarted UK flights in October 2025, starting with Manchester. The airline has said Birmingham is part of its plans, but the route is not on Birmingham Airport's current list. Check the latest position before you book.
Main one-stop options for Birmingham to Pakistan flights:
Qatar Airways via Doha
Emirates via Dubai
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
These airlines serve Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, but not every airline flies to every city on every day. Check which cities are served for your dates.
What to compare for flights from Birmingham to Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi:
Connection time: a very short layover risks a missed flight; a very long one is tiring
Total journey time: this can vary by many hours between options
Baggage: family trips often need more checked kilos
Fare: compare the full price, including bags and seats
Departure and arrival times: late-night arrivals can make pick-ups harder
If one-stop flights from Birmingham do not suit, direct PIA flights from Manchester may be worth a look. See TravelApp's guide to flights to Pakistan or its page for flights to Islamabad.
Travelling to Saudi Arabia? Birmingham Airport also lists Jeddah and Riyadh. If you are planning Umrah, TravelApp's guide to cheap flights to Saudi Arabia from the UK covers routes and fares in more detail.
There are currently no direct flights from Birmingham to Thailand. Birmingham Airport says you will need to connect through a hub, such as Doha, Jeddah or Istanbul, before flying on to Bangkok.
Airlines that Birmingham Airport lists for one-stop flights from Birmingham to Bangkok include:
Emirates via Dubai
Qatar Airways via Doha
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
KLM via Amsterdam
Lufthansa via Frankfurt
Air France, Air India and Saudia
Most flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Bangkok's high season is November to February.
For cheap flights from Birmingham to Thailand, look at total trip time as well as price. A cheaper option with a long overnight layover may not be worth it. A layover of two to three hours is often a good balance.
Long-haul fares change quickly. Tell TravelApp your destination, dates and bag needs, and the team can compare direct and one-stop options side by side.
Birmingham is a strong airport for sun holidays. Tour operators and budget airlines both fly the main resort routes, so there is often a choice of airline.
Turkey is one of Birmingham's biggest holiday markets. It covers several different airports, each serving a different coast. Antalya is among the airport's busiest routes.
Direct flights from Birmingham to Turkey are run by a mix of holiday airlines and Turkish carriers. The main ones are Jet2, TUI, easyJet, SunExpress, Corendon, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
Antalya (AYT) is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, including Lara, Belek, Side and Kemer. Birmingham Airport lists five direct airlines: Corendon, easyJet, Jet2, TUI and SunExpress. The flight takes about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Antalya has year-round flights, though there are more in summer.
Dalaman (DLM) serves Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Marmaris and Göcek. Direct airlines are Jet2, TUI and easyJet, with a flight time of about 4 hours 5 minutes. This is mainly a summer route, so winter choice is limited.
Istanbul is the only Turkish route here that is as much about city breaks and connections as beaches. Direct flights run with Turkish Airlines to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Pegasus Airlines to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). The flight takes about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Check which Istanbul airport you are flying into. They are on opposite sides of the city.
Izmir is on Birmingham Airport's destination list and serves the Aegean coast, including Çeşme and Kuşadası. It is a seasonal route, so check the current timetable for your dates.
Fares to Turkey change with the season, school holidays and demand. There is no single cheapest month every year. See TravelApp's guide to flights to Turkey for more on routes and airports.
Yes, you can fly direct from Birmingham to Marrakech. Birmingham Airport currently lists Ryanair and TUI as the direct airlines to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). The flight takes about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Birmingham Airport gives Marrakech's high seasons as March to May and September to October. Summer is very hot, often above 40°C.
Direct vs connecting. Direct is usually the obvious choice at this distance. A connection only makes sense if direct flights do not match your dates.
Baggage. Ryanair's cheapest fares include only a small under-seat bag. TUI flights are often sold as part of a holiday. Check what each fare includes before comparing prices.
Package or flight only? Many travellers stay in a riad in the medina. A package can make sense if you want transfers included, as riads can be hard to find on arrival.
Spain has more direct routes from Birmingham than any other country. Flights from Birmingham to Spain cover the mainland coast, the Balearics and the Canary Islands.
Alicante (ALC) serves the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm. Direct airlines are easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and TUI. The flight takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, and there are flights all year.
Tenerife is a year-round sun spot, popular for winter breaks. Flights land at Tenerife South (TFS). Direct airlines are Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and easyJet, with a flight time of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
Birmingham Airport also lists direct routes to Málaga, Palma (Majorca), Barcelona, Ibiza, Menorca, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Valencia, Seville and Madrid. Some are year-round and some are summer only. Explore TravelApp's guide to flights to Spain for airport-by-airport details.
Yes, there are direct flights from Birmingham to Malta. Birmingham Airport lists Jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI, flying to Malta International Airport (MLA). The flight takes about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Malta's high season is June to September. Its mild winters also make it a good off-season break.
Holiday routes often work well as packages. If you want flights, hotel and transfers together, compare holiday packages against booking each part yourself.
Compare Flight and Holiday Options
Birmingham is well placed for short trips. Flights are quick, and a single terminal keeps airport time down. For a two or three night break, that time saving matters.
Yes, you can fly direct from Birmingham to Amsterdam. KLM and easyJet fly to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The flight takes about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Schiphol has a train station under the terminal, and trains reach central Amsterdam in 15 to 20 minutes.
KLM flights also connect at Schiphol to many long-haul cities. This makes Amsterdam a useful hub as well as a city break.
Other short trips from Birmingham include:
Dublin: the airport's busiest route, with Aer Lingus and Ryanair
Paris, Rome and Milan: classic culture breaks
Prague, Budapest and Kraków: good value for money
Berlin, Copenhagen and Vienna: good all year round
Airlines vary by route and season, so check the current timetable.
| Destination | Country/Region | Direct from BHX? | Main Current Airlines | Approx. Flight Time | Route Type |
| Dubai (DXB) | UAE | Yes | Emirates | 7h | Long-haul, year-round |
| Delhi (DEL) | India | Yes | Air India | 7h 55m | Long-haul, year-round |
| Amritsar (ATQ) | India | Yes | Air India | 8h 5m | Long-haul, year-round |
| Islamabad (ISB) | Pakistan | No direct service currently listed | One stop: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines | Varies by connection | Long-haul, one stop |
| Bangkok (BKK) | Thailand | No direct service currently listed | One stop: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM and others | Varies by connection | Long-haul, one stop |
| Antalya (AYT) | Turkey | Yes | Corendon, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, SunExpress | 4h 20m | Holiday, year-round, busiest in summer |
| Marrakech (RAK) | Morocco | Yes | Ryanair, TUI | 4h 35m | Holiday and city break |
| Tenerife (TFS) | Canary Islands, Spain | Yes | Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, easyJet | 4h 25m | Holiday, year-round |
| Alicante (ALC) | Spain | Yes | easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI | 2h 20m | Holiday, year-round |
| Amsterdam (AMS) | Netherlands | Yes | KLM, easyJet | 1h 25m | City break and hub |
| Malta (MLA) | Malta | Yes | Jet2, Ryanair, TUI | 3h 20m | Holiday, year-round |
Flight times are approximate figures from Birmingham Airport. Schedules vary by season, so check the current timetable for your dates.
There is no single trick that always finds the cheapest flight. The best approach is to compare the right things. Here is how to find cheap flights from Birmingham Airport without being caught out by hidden costs.
Fares go up and down with demand. School holidays, bank holidays, Eid, Diwali, Christmas and summer are usually busier and more expensive. If you can move your trip by a few days, or fly outside school holidays, you may find a lower fare.
For long-haul trips, a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than flying direct. But it is not always the case, and it costs time. Ask yourself:
How much does it save in total, not per person?
How many extra hours does it add?
Is the connection long enough to be safe, but short enough to be bearable?
Is the whole trip on one booking, so you are protected if you miss a connection?
Low fares often include only a small under-seat bag. Adding a cabin bag and a checked bag can double the cost, or more. Two fares only look comparable once they include the same bags.
The ticket is only one part of the price. Add up:
the ticket
checked and cabin bags
seat selection, especially for families sitting together
airport parking, or a train or taxi to BHX
transfers at your destination
hotel costs if booked separately
A London fare can look cheaper at first. But once you add a train or coach to London, parking, fuel and extra hours, the saving may disappear. An early flight can also mean a night in an airport hotel.
For holiday destinations such as Turkey, Spain or Dubai, a package can include flights, hotel and transfers in one price. It is not always cheaper, but it is easier to compare. It may also come with extra financial protection.
It depends on where you are going, when, and where you live. London has more airlines and routes, which can mean more competition on some long-haul routes. Birmingham often wins once you count travel to the airport and the time saved.
| Factor | Birmingham | London |
| Airport access | Depends on where you live | Several airports, often a long trip from the Midlands |
| Direct routes | Strong for Europe, the Gulf and India | Very broad |
| Long-haul choice | Good core network | Very wide |
| Getting to the airport | Often shorter and cheaper for Midlands travellers | Train, coach, fuel or parking can add up |
| Baggage | Depends on airline and fare | Depends on airline and fare |
| Total journey cost | Compare for your route | Compare for your route |
London may be worth it if your destination has no direct or convenient one-stop link from Birmingham. It can also help if the fare gap is large enough to cover the extra travel.
Compare the complete journey rather than assuming London is cheaper. TravelApp can compare flights from London and flights from Manchester alongside Birmingham, so you can see the real difference.
Check Birmingham Flight Options
Two flights to the same place can have very different real prices once extras are added. Here is what to check.
Cabin baggage. Many low-cost fares include only a small bag that fits under the seat. A larger cabin bag often costs extra. Full-service airlines usually include a cabin bag.
Checked baggage. Hold bags are often extra on low-cost airlines and holiday airlines. Long-haul airlines usually include them, but weight limits vary by fare.
Seat selection. Choosing a seat can cost extra. This matters most for families who want to sit together.
Priority boarding. Some fares include it. On others, you pay to board early or to take a bigger bag.
Meals. Long-haul fares usually include meals. On short flights, food is often extra. If you need halal, vegetarian or other special meals, request them in advance.
Fare types. Airlines sell fares with different rules on changes, refunds and bags. The cheapest fare often has the most limits.
Airline rules. Each airline sets its own bag sizes and weights. Check the rules for your airline and fare before you pack.
A £60 headline fare is not cheaper than a £90 one if you then add £50 for bags. Always compare fares on the same terms.
Getting there by train. Birmingham International railway station is next to the airport. A free Air-Rail Link connects the station to the terminal. See Birmingham Airport's page on getting there by train.
Driving and parking. The airport is close to the M42 and M6. Official car parks range from short stay to valet, and booking ahead is usually cheaper than turning up. Birmingham Airport has flagged major HS2 motorway works across the West Midlands in 2026, so allow extra time.
Check-in. There is one terminal. Jet2 uses Zone A, Emirates uses Zone D, and most other airlines use Zones B and C. easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and TUI offer day-before bag drop for eligible flights.
Security. You can buy Express Lane security access for a quicker route through. Standard security can be busy at peak times, so arrive in good time.
Lounges. Birmingham has several airport lounges that can be booked in advance.
Accessibility. The airport offers free assisted travel for passengers who need help. Book it through your airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before you fly.
Facilities. There are shops, restaurants, travel money services and a multi-faith prayer room.
Flight only is useful if you:
already have somewhere to stay, such as with family
want full control over where you stay
are staying longer or moving between places
This suits many trips to Pakistan and India, where travellers stay with relatives.
Flight and hotel packages are useful if you:
need both flights and a hotel
want transfers included
prefer one booking and one price to compare
Packages are common for Dubai, Turkey, Spain and Marrakech. For Thailand, a package can also help with multi-stop trips.
A package is not always cheaper. Compare it against booking separately for the same dates, hotel and bags.
TravelApp is a UK travel agency that helps travellers compare and arrange flights and holidays from UK airports, including Birmingham Airport.
When you tell us your destination and dates, our team can compare:
Birmingham departure options for your route
airlines that fly direct or with one stop
direct and connecting routes, including connection times
travel dates to find lower-cost options
baggage allowances, so fares are compared fairly
flight-only and holiday package options
alternative UK airports, such as London or Manchester, where useful
TravelApp is an IATA-accredited agent. Applicable flight and holiday packages booked through TravelApp are ATOL protected. The team is available 24/7 by phone, email and WhatsApp, and flexible payment options are available on larger bookings, subject to eligibility.
For travellers heading to Saudi Arabia, TravelApp also arranges Umrah packages, including options from Birmingham. Before any trip abroad, it is also worth reading our guide to travel insurance in the UK and checking GOV.UK foreign travel advice for your destination.
Enquire About Your Birmingham Flight
Tell us your destination, travel dates, number of travellers and bag needs. TravelApp can then compare suitable Birmingham flight options, including direct flights, one-stop routes and package deals.
Quick answers to common questions. Reach out if you need more help.
Direct airlines at Birmingham include easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, Aer Lingus, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, KLM, Lufthansa, SunExpress and Saudia. The list changes by season, so check Birmingham Airport's airline directory for the current mix.
You can fly direct from Birmingham to most European holiday and city destinations, plus Dubai, Doha, Delhi, Amritsar, Jeddah and Riyadh. Birmingham Airport lists 155 destinations, which include some one-stop routes.
Emirates flies direct from Birmingham to Dubai. KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines offer one-stop options via Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Istanbul.
Yes. Emirates currently flies direct from Birmingham Airport to Dubai International Airport.
The direct flight from Birmingham to Dubai takes about seven hours, according to Birmingham Airport.
There is no single cheapest time for every route. Fares are usually higher in school holidays and peak seasons. Travelling outside these times, and being flexible on dates, often helps.
It depends on the route and where you live. London may have lower fares on some routes, but travel costs to London can cancel out the saving. Compare the full journey cost.
Birmingham Airport's IATA code is BHX.
Check your airline's advice, as check-in times vary. As a general guide, many travellers aim for about two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights, and more at busy times.
