BHX Airport Flights Resume as Runway Reopens Following Storm Goretti

Birmingham Airport, known by its code BHX Airport, has resumed flight operations after severe disruption from Storm Goretti. The storm brought heavy snow, strong winds, and widespread travel chaos to the UK, grounding flights and closing the airport’s main runway. After intense snow clearance and safety checks, the runway reopened with limited capacity, allowing flights to resume amid ongoing delays and advisories for passengers. 

This article offers a full update on the situation at BHX Airport, covering what happened, the current flight status, and what travellers need to know now.

Storm Goretti’s Impact on BHX Airport and UK Travel

Storm Goretti, which formed early in January 2026, quickly developed into a powerful weather event as it moved across Western Europe. Named by Météo France, the storm brought heavy snow, severe winds, and rain to large parts of the UK and northern France, resulting in major transport disruption. 

According to official forecasts, wind gusts reached up to 99mph in parts of Britain, while snow accumulations of up to 30 centimetres were reported in higher areas.

Across the UK, weather warnings were issued, including amber and yellow alerts for snow, ice, and strong winds affecting multiple regions, including the Midlands, South West England, and Wales. Authorities warned of dangerous travel conditions and urged people to avoid non-essential journeys. Rail networks and roads saw widespread closures and delays as emergency crews worked to clear routes.

In the West Midlands, where BHX Airport is located, the storm’s snow and ice accumulation caused severe travel disruption. Trains were cancelled or delayed, power outages were reported, and roads became treacherous. This unusual combination of severe snowfall and gusty winds is one of the main reasons BHX Airport’s runway operations were halted.

Storm Goretti also affected other UK transport hubs. For example, several flights at London Heathrow Airport were cancelled by British Airways, and East Midlands Airport temporarily closed its runway due to snowfall before later reopening with delays.

Why Did BHX Airport Close Its Runway?

Heavy snow from Storm Goretti covered the runway at BHX Airport late on Thursday evening. Snow and ice accumulation made runway conditions unsafe for takeoffs and landings. In an official statement, the airport said runway operations were suspended due to these adverse conditions and emphasised that passenger and staff safety was the top priority.

With significant amounts of snow across the Midlands, including Birmingham, processes to clear the runway began overnight. Snow ploughs and airport teams worked through the night to remove snow and ice and to restore safe conditions for aircraft operations.

How Many Passengers Were Affected?

Reports from travel outlets state that around 1,000 passengers were left stranded at and around BHX Airport due to the runway closure. Many travellers faced delays of hours before being told to confirm flight status with their airlines. At least one inbound flight was diverted to London Heathrow, and several other scheduled arrivals and departures were rerouted to nearby airports such as Manchester or East Midlands.

The closure also had knock-on effects for transport throughout the West Midlands, as trains and buses struggled to operate under winter conditions. Many local schools announced closures as well due to the hazardous conditions.

BHX Airport Runway Reopens and Flights Resume

What Is Happening at BHX Airport Now?

By early Friday morning, BHX Airport’s runway had reopened on a reduced capacity, according to official updates. Airport officials confirmed that flight operations were beginning to resume and that teams were working to get passengers away as efficiently as possible. However, they warned that the level of service would be limited at first, meaning delays and changes to planned schedules were still likely.

Airport staff also continued to advise all travellers to check the status of their flights directly with their airline before travelling to the airport, as conditions and schedules remain subject to change.

Safety Checks and Ongoing Measures

Reopening the runway was not an instant process. Even after snow clearance, ground teams had to complete final safety inspections to ensure the runway surface met aviation safety standards. This included checking for residual ice, confirming friction levels are safe for aircraft landings, and ensuring all navigation aids are functional under winter conditions.

In addition, the airport’s priority remains safety for both passengers and staff. Officials reiterated this message in updates, ensuring that no flight will operate unless all safety protocols have been fully met and approved by airport authorities.

What Does “Reopened on a Reduced Basis” Mean?

The term “reopened on a reduced basis” means that while BHX Airport has resumed some runway operations, not all flights will depart or arrive as originally planned. This could include:

• Some flights are being delayed until conditions improve further or schedules are adjusted.
• Certain aircraft types are operating later in the day once more flights are stabilised.
• Airlines are rescheduling flights due to a backlog from the previous closure, affecting departure and arrival times throughout the day.

Passengers should stay informed through airline notifications and airport flight information displays.

Passengers’ Tips and What to Do Next

Now that flights are resuming at BHX Airport, travellers can take the following practical steps:

• Check flight status before heading to the airport, either via airline app or BHX Airport official website.
• Arrive early to account for possible flight disruptions, extra queue times, or weather-related traffic.
• Prepare for delays by packing essentials like snacks, medications, and chargers in carry-on luggage.
• Stay updated on further weather warnings or transport advisories in the Midlands region.

All these steps can help reduce stress during travel disruption and ensure you remain informed about the latest schedule updates as the airport continues to recover from Storm Goretti’s impact.

Conclusion: BHX Airport Back in Operation After Severe Weather

In summary, BHX Airport flights have resumed, and the runway is operational again after being closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather from Storm Goretti. This was a significant disruption, affecting travellers and transport throughout the Midlands.

However, thanks to dedicated snow clearance and safety checks, the airport has started to operate again, albeit with possible delays and ongoing advisories for passengers.

Disclaimer

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.