A significant power failure at a critical National Air Traffic Services (NATS) radar site has thrown Birmingham Airport into disarray, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions in the early hours of Monday, 12 January 2026.
Technical Fault Grounds Arrivals
The disruption began in the early morning due to what airport officials described as a technical issue with the NATS radar that serves Birmingham Airport. This essential system failure has forced the airport to suspend all incoming flights. A spokesperson confirmed that only departing flights are currently operating, and even those are experiencing considerable hold-ups.
Passenger Chaos and Widespread Diversions
The consequences for travellers have been severe, with some passengers facing delays of up to four hours. With the airport unable to accept arrivals, numerous flights have been diverted to alternative airports across the region. East Midlands Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport have been primary recipients of the diverted services, absorbing the sudden influx of aircraft.
Airport authorities have issued a public apology for the extensive delays. "We apologise for the delay to customers, and we are working closely with NATS to rectify the issue," the spokesperson stated, emphasising the collaborative effort to resolve the critical radar fault.
Ongoing Efforts and Travel Advice
Engineers from NATS are working urgently to restore full radar capability. Passengers booked on flights from Birmingham Airport today are strongly advised to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. Those expecting to arrive into Birmingham should contact their airline for information on potential diversions or rescheduling.
The incident underscores the reliance of major transport hubs on single points of failure in national infrastructure, with a localised technical fault causing ripple effects across the UK's aviation network.
