BIRMINGHAM SHUTTLESWORTH AIRPORT (BHM) INFORMATION

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (IATA: BHM, ICAO: KBHM, FAA LID: BHM), formerly Birmingham Municipal Airport and later Birmingham International Airport, is in Jefferson County, Birmingham, Alabama, about 8 kilometers from Downtown Birmingham.

BHM averages 301 aircraft operations a day, including 136 flights to 43 airports in 40 cities, serving more than 3 million passengers in 2019. It is also the largest and busiest airport in the state of Alabama by passenger volume.

The main runway is 3,660 meters long and the secondary runway is 2,164 meters. The airport was renamed in 2008 in honor of Fred Shuttlesworth, the founding president of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and a leader of the Birmingham campaign during the civil rights movement.

The airport carries the designation of an international airport and has a staffed U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility on site. It used to have seasonal international flights to several destinations but as of this update (March 2022), there are no scheduled international flights.

It has one new terminal building with three new concourses: A, B, and C. The landside terminal (the area before the security threshold) has two levels. The upper level has Ticketing and check-in facilities, a business center, and a large function room.

The Lower Level has Baggage Claim facilities, airline baggage offices, airport operations offices, and meeting rooms available for use. The airport has its police force with offices on the lower level of the terminal. There are vending machines and ATMs throughout both levels.

There is a rental car facility in an annex on the ground floor of the parking deck. A shuttle runs between the terminal and the remote lot continuously throughout the day. There is a free cell phone waiting lot with a digital flight display for people waiting for arriving passengers.

In 2015, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority introduced two new express Airport Shuttle routes from downtown Birmingham hotels directly to the terminal. The shuttle routes operate hourly on Mondays through Saturdays and the fare is $5.00.

The airport covers 2,170 acres and has two active runways. It is 198 meters above sea level at 33°33′50″N and 086°45′08″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

History of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

In 1928, St. Tammy and Gulf Coast Airways began services at Roberts Field on the west side of Birmingham on a route from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Delta Air Service began service to Birmingham followed a year later along a route from Love Field in Dallas, Texas to Birmingham.

This increasing demand led to construction of Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, and opened in 1931.

During World War II, the facility was leased to the United States Army Air Forces. Considerable improvements to the airport were undertaken during this time, including land acquisitions, paving of additional taxiways, and construction of a control tower and an aircraft modification center south of the terminal.

The airport was returned to the city after the war. In 1951, four runways were in use. Jets began flying in the facility in the 1960s, which resulted in the construction of a second passenger terminal and a new air traffic control tower in 1962.

The 1962 control tower was demolished in 2004 after being replaced by the 2001 air traffic control tower. This terminal was demolished to make way for the 2011 terminal expansion. The 1962 terminal is in the area now covered by the aircraft apron for Gate A1.

Expansions were carried out in the next three decades. By the early 2000s, Birmingham had completed improvements to the air cargo areas, including a new facility at the far west end.

In 2006, Birmingham International Airport celebrated its 75th year. Two years later, the airport was renamed to honor Fred L. Shuttlesworth, a civil rights activist. Its current official name is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

In 2011, The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport broke ground on a comprehensive Terminal Modernization Project. This project was completed in phases over three years. It was completed in 2014.

Today, its top domestic routes include Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Houston, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida.

Transfer Services at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport provides several modes of efficient transportation for its customers.

Services to/from BHM, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of the terminal.

Rental Car Services at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The Rental Car facility is in section 1B on the Ground Level of the Parking Deck. All rental cars can be conveniently picked up and dropped off in the parking deck.

The rental facility is open 24/7. Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found at + 1 205-599-0500.

See and compare all rental car companies at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

Ride Shares at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Rideshares pick and drop passengers on the Baggage Claim level of the terminal.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center outside the Baggage Claim area.

A typical taxi fare from the airport to the downtown area would be around $20.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name just in case you leave something behind. See more information about taxis at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

Trains at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

There are no train connections from the airport to downtown Birmingham. The Amtrak Train Station is located about 8 kilometers from the facility.

Flying in passengers can taxi to the train station for less than $20.00.

More information about train services near Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

Buses at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

BJCTA Public Bus Max 20 is available at the Airport Ground Transportation Center.

A one-way fare starts at $1.50. Exact fare required on all buses. Discounts apply to qualified passengers. More information about buses to and from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Many hotels in Birmingham, Alabama provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

BHM provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available at the facility, 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport.

Other Services at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Wi-Fi at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

BHM offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot area. If you have problems connecting or need other technical support, please call +1 205-599-0700.

ATMs at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

ATM locations are as follows: on the lower level of the terminal near baggage claim; on the upper level in the rotundas for concourses A and B; and near the food courts for concourses B and C.

Currency Exchange at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Located in Terminal 2 on the first floor and in the departures lounge, the International Currency Exchange also offers phone cards, travel insurance, and traveler’s cash cards.

Nursing Stations at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport now has dedicated nursing rooms:

• Location 1: Near Terminal C1 by Southwest Airlines
• Location 2: Terminal B5 near the Local Rustic Market

Restrooms at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. Please follow smoking regulations at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 205-599-0500.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Information Desk.

Phone: +1 205-599-0500.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals.

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks may not be accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The Airport Information Desk can be found on the Ground Level.

Phone: +1 205-599-0500.

Pet Relief at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The outdoor pet relief area is on the Lower Level, exit through Door 4L. Pet waste disposal containers are provided for your convenience.

Airlines have specific policies and fares for transporting pets.

Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance. Animals are not permitted unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Lower Level of the terminal near the Information Desk and the Airline Baggage Service offices.

Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance at +1 205-599-0500.

The Airport Lost and Found Phone is +1 205-599-0500.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints can call +1 205-595-0533.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in Birmingham

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Birmingham, Alabama in the United States of America.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Contacts

Address: 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212, USA
General Phone: +1 205-595-0533
General Email: info@flybirmingham.com
Lost and Found Email: info@flybirmingham.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 205-599-0500
Official Website: https://www.flybirmingham.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout our terminal and at the Cell Phone Waiting Lot area.