Travel chaos has struck the East Midlands after a major winter storm forced the temporary closure of a key airport runway. East Midlands Airport was compelled to shut its primary runway in the early hours of Friday, 9th January 2026, as Storm Goretti blanketed the region in heavy snow, leading to significant disruption for air passengers.
Airport Prioritises Safety Amid Hazardous Conditions
Airport officials confirmed the closure in an update issued early on Friday morning. The decision was taken to allow dedicated teams to clear the accumulating snow and conduct essential safety inspections on the runway surface. The airport emphasised that passenger and crew safety was the absolute priority, with the runway scheduled to reopen only once conditions were deemed safe.
In their statement, airport authorities directly advised affected travellers to expect delays and cancellations. They strongly recommended that all passengers check the latest flight information directly with their airline before setting out for the airport. Furthermore, with surrounding roads also impacted by snow and ice, travellers were urged to factor in considerable extra time for their journeys to the airport terminal.
Widespread Travel Disruption Across the Midlands
The problems at East Midlands Airport form just one part of a wider wave of travel misery sweeping across the Midlands. Storm Goretti has brought a potent mix of persistent snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous icy conditions to a broad area. Other transport networks, including rail and road services across the region, have reported similar patterns of delays and cancellations.
The interconnected nature of the transport system means that disruption at a major airport like East Midlands has a ripple effect, potentially impacting connecting travel plans nationwide. Airport crews are working continuously to clear the runway and restore normal operations, with further updates promised as the situation develops.
Passenger Advice and Looking Ahead
For passengers caught up in the disruption, the key advice remains to maintain close contact with their airline for real-time updates on specific flights. The airport's social media channels and website are also providing official updates. The immediate focus for airport staff is on making the runway safe for operations, but the timeline for a full return to normal service remains dependent on the severity of the ongoing weather.
This incident underscores the significant impact that severe winter weather can have on critical transport infrastructure, even at major hubs with robust contingency plans. As Storm Goretti continues to affect the UK, travellers across the Midlands are being warned to prepare for further potential disruption throughout the day.
