Birmingham Airport passenger terminals could be moved more than half a mile east to be closer to the planned HS2 interchange.
The airport’s runway and airside operations would remain where they are while handling operations – such as check-in, baggage handling and security – would move closer to Birmingham International station, according to chief executive Paul Kehoe.
Mr Kehoe said this would free up space for more passengers and flights.
He told a New Civil Engineer’s Airport Design and Engineering conference in London, that he wanted to embark on a consultation about moving the terminals.
“This could result in moving the airport one kilometre eastwards,” Mr Kehoe told delegates. “It may sound daft but it has to happen.”
HS2 Ltd, the Government company implementing High Speed Two, considered moving the new station closer to the airport but ruled it out because of the “very significant knock-on effects” it would have to the local community.
Mr Kehoe said that proposals to move the terminals closer to the station would be less contentious although environmental impact assessments would be carried out for the new station and new terminus.
“This is an opportunity we want to exploit,” added Kehoe. “We’re keen to talk to consultants about how we would plan the move.”
Plans could also include creating an Enterprise Zone around the airport and station said Kehoe.
Any development around the new station would be led by Solihull Council, not HS2 Ltd, according to an HS2 Ltd spokesman.
Plans for HS2 involve building a new Birmingham Interchange station that would connect train passengers to the airport and the National Exhibition Centre.
The airport operator has begun a £33 million runway extension project - due for completion in 2014 – to allow it to handle larger aircraft.
A £45 million pier was completed in 2009.
