Birmingham Airport has been forced to suspend all flights after heavy snow from Storm Goretti brought severe disruption to the Midlands.
Airport Operations Halted by Snowfall
The airport announced the complete suspension of all runway operations on the evening of Thursday, 8 January 2026. The decision was made as conditions deteriorated rapidly due to the intense snowfall associated with Storm Goretti.
A notice posted on the airport's official website advised passengers of the situation, stating: "Due to heavy snow, runway operations are currently suspended. We will continue to keep our website updated with changes as they happen."
All travellers planning to depart from the airport are being urged to contact their airline directly for the latest information on their specific flight status.
Widespread Travel Chaos Across the Region
The airport closure is part of a much wider wave of travel chaos gripping the Midlands. Road conditions have been described as treacherous, leading to numerous bus diversions and a significant reduction in train services across the region.
The impact has extended to the skies, with several inbound flights to Birmingham being diverted to other airports. Reports from flight tracking services indicate that some aircraft have been sent to alternative locations, including East Midlands Airport.
In one notable incident, an Air India Dreamliner destined for Birmingham was reportedly forced to declare an emergency due to low fuel levels to prioritise its landing at London Heathrow instead.
Advice for Passengers and Ongoing Updates
With the situation continuing to develop, airport officials emphasise that their website remains the primary source for official operational updates. The severe weather has created a complex and challenging environment for all transport networks.
Passengers are reminded that safety is the paramount concern during such extreme weather events. The combination of heavy snow and poor visibility makes runway operations unsafe until conditions improve significantly.
Local authorities and transport operators across the West Midlands are advising people to avoid non-essential travel while the clean-up operation from Storm Goretti gets underway.
