Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport
Address:
5900 Airport Highway, Birmingham,
AL 35212, USA
Tel: +1 (0) 205 5950533
Web: flybirmingham.com
Airport Codes:
IATA code: BHM
ICAO code: KBHM
BHM Arrivals today
Discover Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport arrivals
In the past it was first a Municipal Airport before it was given the name International. The airport is used for both civil and military flights. For passengers, it primarily serves the Alabama city of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
On the busiest days of the year, it ensures a flawless process for more than a hundred flights. There are flights to about 40 destinations, mainly within the US. Pre-corona there were 3 million passengers who used Birmingham Shuttlesworth airport annually for BHM airport arrivals. This makes it the busiest airport in the region. With 2 runways (12,000 and 7,000 feet) the number of annual passengers can increase considerably.
The international flights were mainly seasonal to Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. Since the pandemic, these aircraft routes have been closed. If you still want to fly to one of the international destinations, you will have to make a transfer at another airport in the US.
History of Shuttlesworth airport
The very first Shuttlesworth flight arrivals were operated almost 100 years ago in 1928. There were flights with Gulf Coast Airways to destinations such as New Orleans and Atlanta. Delta began flights to Dallas Love Field a year later. American Airlines also wanted to offer flights, but Birmingham Shuttlesworth could not ensure that the large aircraft could land on the then runway. As a result, extensions were ad later to make this possible.
There was a grand opening in 1931 with a new terminal to allow more flights and passengers to use the airport. This provided the opportunity to create a second runway.
During the Second World War, the airport was used by the Army Air Forces. Mainly the paving and taxiways were expanded, but a control tower was also added to ensure everything runs smoothly. After the war, the entire airport was again expanded. The Birmingham Shuttlesworth arrivals also increased again as a result.
Birmingham Shuttlesworth Terminal
There are BHM arrivals in 1 terminal. This is subdivided into 3 different Concourses (A, B, and C). For a departure, your journey starts at the upper level for ticketing. The lower level services the baggage claim area. Concourses A and B were recently completely modernized in 2013. After the new opening, Concourse C was completely renovated and opened for Birmingham Shuttlesworth airport arrivals a year later.
- Concourse A has 8 gates for boarding. It is mainly in use by American and Delta airlines. Due to the presence of customs and immigration, it is also possible to have international flights depart or arrive in this part of the terminal.
- Concourse B is slightly smaller with only 5 gates. Largely for domestic Birmingham Alabama airport arrivals and American Airlines often uses it.
- Concourse C has 6 gates available where it used to have 14 gates. You will often see the airlines Southwest and United here.
Terminal map lower level
Destinations from Birmingham Shuttlesworth airport
The airlines Southwest, Delta, PSA, Mesa and Envoy offer most BHM arrivals. The main route goes to Atlanta, Georgia. Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International (ATL) to Shuttlesworth Airport are mostly operated by Delta. If you don’t have a direct flight within the US or internationally to your destination, in many cases you will fly to Atlanta for a stopover. Other busy flight routes are to:
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
- Orlando International Airport(MCO)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Chicago Midway International (MDW)
- Miami International (MIA)
- Washington (DCA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
Direct flights
Ground transportation
To Birmingham downtown: Enter I-20 W/I-59 S from Airport Blvd and Messer Airport Hwy. Continue on I-20 W/I-59 S to 6th Ave N. Take exit 126A from I-20 W/I-59 S. Keep left at the fork and continue on 6th Ave N to enter the to arrive at the center of the city.
- After arrival you have some options to continue your journey. In addition to a Taxi service, you can also opt for a limousine or Uber and Lyft. Taxis are ready when you walk out through the baggage claim after arrival. Another option is to drive a car yourself. Rental car agencies are available to rent a car.
Parking
You can park in the parking garage or at Economy parking. There are several options in the parking garage.
- First level is especially for oversized vehicles with a maximum height of 8’2″. Then on level 3 there is Hourly parking. Both charge $1 per hour and $24 per day.
- All other floors are for Daily Parking. This is with a daily rate of $12 a lot cheaper. All are good for short term parking.
- For long term parking you can choose to park the car at Economy. This is located on Airline Drive a short distance. Park here for only $10 a day.
- Then there is also the option for Valet Parking.This costs $19.95 per day.
For passengers with arrivals and who are picked up by friends, a Cell Phone Lot can offer a solution.You can park here temporarily for free after which they can drive directly to the terminal when the passengers walk out of the terminal after baggage claim.
Hotels
There are some hotels located near the airport. However, these are not the highest rated on Google. If you are less critical you can just stay here like Ramada by Wyndham Birmingham Airport and Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport, an IHG Hotel. If you do want to stay in a better rated hotel, we recommend staying in the center. Some ideas to stay in Birmingham are:
- The Westin Birmingham
- Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
- John Hand Club Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB
- Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown Near UAB
