Birmingham International Marks 50 Years as a West Midlands Rail Gateway

Avanti West Coast has marked 50 years since the opening of Birmingham International station, celebrating its evolution from a newly built interchange into one of the West Midlands’ busiest transport hubs.

The station first opened on 26 January 1976, created to serve Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre. Over the decades it has expanded its role, becoming a key commuter station for people travelling from Solihull, Coleshill and neighbouring communities, as well as a gateway for national and international visitors.

To commemorate the anniversary, Avanti West Coast, which manages the station, was joined by representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham Airport, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the NEC. A specially commissioned birthday cake marked the occasion, while guests reflected on personal memories linked to the station’s first half-century.

Celebrations also included commemorative bunting throughout the station and on-screen messages thanking passengers for their continued use of the facility.

When it opened, Birmingham International shared its name with the adjacent airport and was designed by architect Ray Moorcroft. Moorcroft later became British Rail’s Chief Architect in 1977 and was responsible for the design of station buildings at Wolverhampton and Northampton ahead of their modernisation. He also played a role in the redevelopment of London Euston during the 1960s.

Among those celebrating was Neil Warner, Avanti West Coast Deputy Team Leader and the station’s longest-serving member of staff, with almost 30 years’ service. He describes Birmingham International as a place that “feels like home”.

He said:

“It is quite special to me because it's the place where I've worked nearly all my life. There's a great team here and there's been some unique characters over the years, and we’ve all got on well together. With the NEC on our doorstep, I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of famous people, including Paul O’Grady and Prince William.”

Today, Birmingham International is served by Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino and Evero fleets, alongside services operated by West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales. Caledonian Sleeper services also began calling at the station this month.

More than 300 trains stop at Birmingham International every day, with annual footfall of around five million passengers travelling to or from the station.

Jodie Watson, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Birmingham International, said:

“For half a century Birmingham International has grown to be an integral transport hub for the West Midlands, creating a gateway for holiday and concert goers, while also connecting local people with major towns and cities. We’re pleased to celebrate this landmark anniversary with those who have been a part of its journey. I’m proud of the great team here who provide a warm welcome to the millions of people that travel to and from the station each year.”

Image: Avanti West Coast