Orbx has added a new U.S. hub to the Microsoft Flight Simulator ecosystem with the release of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (KBHM) for both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. This brings one of Alabama’s busiest and most versatile airports into sharper focus, offering sim pilots a detailed rendition of a field that blends commercial schedules, cargo activity, military movements, and a steady rhythm of general aviation.

Developed by Fly2High, the scenery is built around the idea that an airport should feel correct at every phase of operation, not just look good in a screenshot. The emphasis here is on layout accuracy, ground-level detail, and lighting that supports believable night ops. That matters at KBHM, where the real-world airport’s personality shows up most clearly while taxiing across ramps and service roads, lining up on approach with the city nearby, and working turns after dark under a web of apron lights.

KBHM sits just east of downtown Birmingham, making it a natural centerpiece for regional flying. In the simulator, that location opens up a lot of practical routes. You can run short-haul airline legs across the Southeast, build cargo hops that feel purpose-built for the airport, or use Birmingham as a realistic base for general aviation exploring Alabama’s terrain and nearby states. It’s the kind of airport that works equally well as a destination and as a home field for regular operations.

The scenery package includes detailed terminal buildings and airport structures, giving the airport a proper sense of scale from the cockpit and the ramp. Runways, taxiways, and apron layouts are modeled to match the real airport’s footprint, which is especially helpful for those who like to fly procedures as published, follow realistic taxi routes, and park where they’re supposed to park. Custom ground textures and markings add to that “this is a working airport” impression, particularly when you’re down low and moving slowly, where generic surfaces tend to break immersion.

Night lighting is a headline feature, and for good reason. KBHM is the type of environment where lighting makes the difference between “pretty” and “convincing.” The goal here is to reflect real-world night operations with illumination that supports depth, spacing, and the practical visibility cues you rely on when rolling toward the runway or threading through ramp areas. For sim pilots who enjoy evening arrivals, late-night cargo departures, or simply the look of a busy airport under lights, this release aims to deliver that atmosphere without sacrificing usability.

Performance optimization is also called out, which should be welcome news for anyone who flies into dense scenery regions or prefers higher traffic settings. A detailed airport is only as good as its ability to stay smooth when you’re close to the ground, on final, or navigating complex taxi routes. When a scenery developer prioritizes optimization, it usually translates into more consistent frame pacing and fewer compromises elsewhere in your setup.

KBHM’s broad operational mix is part of why it’s an appealing addition to the sim. It supports airline traffic for passenger routes, cargo operations that add variety to flight planning, military activity that can make the field feel more dynamic, and general aviation that keeps the ramps alive beyond scheduled departures. In practice, that means this airport fits neatly into a lot of different flying styles, from airliner procedures to turboprop freight runs to VFR circuits and instrument training.

For anyone building a realistic route network, Birmingham can also serve as a strong connective node. It’s positioned well for flights that are long enough to feel like a trip but short enough to stay in the sweet spot for an evening session. Pair it with regional destinations, build out a cargo loop, or use it as a staging point for exploring the broader Southeast, and it quickly becomes more than a one-time visit.

If you want a closer look before buying, Orbx has posted a product video showcasing the airport in action. Product pages are available for both simulator versions.

Product Page (MSFS 2020)
https://orbxdirect.com/product/fly2high-kbhm-msfs

Product Page (MSFS 2024)
https://orbxdirect.com/product/fly2high-kbhm-msfs2024

Product Video