95 Years of Connecting People and Places

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

BIRMINGHAM, AL (May 4, 2026) – Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is turning ninety-five later this month and will mark the occasion with a month-long celebration in the terminal. It was May 31, 1931, when the airport first opened for business in the original structure, while inaugurating the first airline to serve the community; American Airways. Since then, the airport has grown and flourished in ways that could not have been predicted all those years ago.

“When you look at the tremendous change that has taken place over the years, it’s impossible not to be floored by where we sit today,” said Ashby Pate, Chair of the Birmingham Airport Authority Board.

“We’ve weathered challenges and grabbed a hold of opportunities that have enriched the lives of people in our communities,” said Pate. “The airport continues to serve as an economic engine for Birmingham and a key driver of prosperity in Central Alabama and beyond.”

A few highlights:

• In June of 1986, The Birmingham City Council established the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA), which catapulted the airport into an era of tremendous growth and revitalization.
• In 1993, BHM marked the completion of a $50 million terminal renovation. By the year 2000, the airport served just over 3 million passengers.
• In 2005, BHM climbed to new altitudes while recovering from the tragic events of September 11,2001. The airport celebrated a new record of 3.2 million passengers.
• In 2008, the BAA approved renaming the airport to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to honor the legacy of civil rights activists and legend Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.
• In 2013, the Terminal Modernization Project doubled the footprint of the airport.

Fast forward to 2026, and BHM is welcoming new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham on Breeze Airways in July, growing capacity to popular destinations on existing airlines, modernizing parking to improve the customer experience and prepare for the future, renovating
restrooms in the terminal, and experiencing steady passenger growth as the state’s largest and busiest airport. Passengers can fly nonstop to 22 airport destinations in 19 cities from an airport that served nearly 3.3 million people in 2025.

The 95th celebration will revolve around passengers who continue to choose Birmingham when they travel. The BAA team will offer giveaways, airline gift cards, a selfie station, snacks, live music, and travel games at various times during the month of May.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Kim Hunt at khunt@flybhm.com.

Media Contact: Kim Hunt
Birmingham Airport Authority
khunt@flybhm.com
#205-510-6676

About Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

As Alabama’s largest commercial airport, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has served as a gateway to the sky for more than 90 years. Governed by the Birmingham Airport Authority, the airport continues to be a catalyst for growth and economic development for the entire region. For more information, visit flybhm.com or follow BHM on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.