2-879-069 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Maglev, Elmdon, Birmingham, Bickenhill, Solihull, 30/05/1984. A Hawker Siddeley Andover aircraft on the runway at Birmingham International Airport, with the Red Arrows flying overhead. Construction of a new terminal building, extensions to runways, aprons, and a new noise barrier at Birmingham Airport began in May 1981. Also built was a services block, raised piers, a fire station, a control tower, and the Maglev system linking the airport with Birmingham railway station. The official handover ceremony took place in January 1984 and the site was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1984. The photograph was taken before the disembarkation of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ahead of the official opening of the new terminal building and Maglev system.