EDM 1139: Birmingham Airport

That this House acknowledges the vital role of aviation in bolstering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange; recognises Birmingham Airport as a crucial gateway serving the Midlands and beyond; calls upon the Government to work collaboratively with airlines and relevant stakeholders to increase the number of direct international flights from Birmingham Airport; welcomes the potential agreement forthcoming for direct flights from Birmingham to Sylhet, Bangladesh, in light of the significant British Bangladeshi community residing in the region, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities; notes that facilitating direct travel routes would aid in reducing unnecessary travel times and costs currently faced by passengers who must transit via other airports; further notes that such services would contribute positively to regional development by attracting business and tourism, aligning with the Government's growth agenda and its commitment to regional economic growth and prosperity; and urges the prioritisation of the expansion of direct flight routes from Birmingham Airport, especially to underserved destinations like Sylhet, and to engage in dialogue with both domestic and international airlines to address this demand, thereby supporting the UK's broader strategic interests in aviation, trade, and community connectivity.