Global investor Macquarie Asset Management has completed the acquisition of major stakes in two of the UK’s busiest regional airports — Bristol and Birmingham — strengthening its presence in the UK transport infrastructure sector.
The deal sees Macquarie take a 55% stake in Bristol Airport and a 26.5% stake in Birmingham Airport, purchasing the shares from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP). The investment was made in partnership with LGPS Central Limited, acting on behalf of partner funds including the West Midlands Pension Fund and the Cheshire Pension Fund.
Bristol Airport, which serves over 10 million passengers annually, contributes an estimated £2 billion to the South West and South Wales economies. Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport handles around 14 million passengers each year, supporting nearly 31,000 jobs across the West Midlands and accessible to more than half of England and Wales’ population within a two-hour journey.
Macquarie said the acquisition highlights its ongoing commitment to UK infrastructure. The firm, which has operated in the country for over 35 years, has invested billions across sectors including energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.
The completion of this deal reinforces investor confidence in the long-term prospects of regional airports as they continue to recover from the pandemic and invest in sustainability and capacity improvements.
