QUICK SUMMARY
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is starting a $19 million project to rebuild part of its main runway. Planning starts in September 2026 and construction begins in February, with the heaviest work lasting about six months. The goal is a runway strong enough for today’s bigger, heavier cargo planes. Most flights will not be affected, and for the metro area the project means more cargo business, more jobs, and another sign of steady economic growth.
The biggest runway at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is getting a major rebuild. The Birmingham Airport Authority board has approved the work, and WBRC reports the full project will cost about $19 million.
Airport projects may not sound like real estate news. But the airport is one of the metro’s biggest economic engines, and what happens there ripples out to jobs and households from Hoover to Trussville. Here is the story in plain language.
What exactly is the airport building?
BHM’s main runway stretches more than 12,000 feet – over two miles. But it was not all built at the same time. One end was built decades ago, and engineers say it was never designed for the heavy cargo jets landing there today.
Crews will rebuild a 2,000-foot stretch at the Runway 24 end. They will dig down three feet and rebuild the surface 150 feet wide, moving runway lights and electronics along the way. The airport is also upgrading a taxiway so it can handle larger aircraft. Birmingham-based Dunn Construction won the main $17 million contract, part of the larger $19 million project – so much of that money stays local.
Why does the runway need this work now?
Cargo. Three years ago the airport partnered with a global logistics company, which brought weekly cargo flights from Germany. In 2024 the airport opened a new 53,500-square-foot air cargo building to handle the growth. BHM has gone from mostly FedEx and UPS packages to large freight jets flying in goods from overseas.
Airport leaders expect that growth to continue for the next 20 years – but a pavement study found the old runway section was not built for that weight. The fix is to rebuild it stronger now, before it becomes a problem. You can see the airport’s other improvement plans on the Birmingham Airport Authority’s development page.
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Will flights be affected?
Mostly no. The airport says the runway will stay open for most of the project. It will close for a few days at some point during construction, but leaders are already working with airlines to adjust schedules so passengers should not feel it. Some of the work will happen at night. Planning and phasing start in September 2026, construction begins in February, and the bulk of the work should take about six months.
What does this mean for the Birmingham metro?
More cargo means more jobs. Freight handling, logistics, warehousing, and trucking jobs grow when more goods move through BHM. Those paychecks support households across Jefferson and Shelby counties.
Local dollars stay local. The airport’s CEO has said the airport aims to be a reliable economic engine for the city, and the main contract went to a Birmingham company.
Better connections help home values. Companies choose metro areas with strong airports. Steady investment at BHM is one more point in Birmingham’s favor when employers – and the families they bring – decide where to land.
Suburbs with easy airport access, like Trussville, Homewood, and Hoover, tend to benefit most from this kind of growth. For current prices and sales trends, see our latest Greater Birmingham market report.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the Birmingham airport runway project cost?
The total project is about $19 million. That includes a $17 million construction contract with Birmingham-based Dunn Construction to rebuild a 2,000-foot section of the main runway.
When does the runway construction start?
Planning and phasing work starts in September 2026. Construction begins in February, and the heaviest work is expected to take about six months.
Will the airport close during the project?
No. The runway stays open for most of the work and will only close for a few days at some point during construction. The airport is coordinating with airlines so travelers should see little to no impact.
Why does an airport project matter for home buyers?
A growing airport supports jobs and attracts employers, which supports housing demand. Metro areas that keep investing in infrastructure tend to see steadier home values over time.
Have questions about the Birmingham market?
Whether you are relocating for work or just wondering what growth like this means for your neighborhood, our Birmingham team is happy to talk it through.
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