Storm Goretti Grounds UK Flights: Birmingham, East Midlands Shut Down by Snow

January 9, 2026 at 07:24 AM•3 min read

Storm Goretti has forced Birmingham and East Midlands Airports to suspend runway operations due to heavy snow, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays across the UK and Europe, including for British Airways and Ryanair.

Key Points

1Birmingham and East Midlands Airports suspended runway operations due to heavy snow from Storm Goretti, causing immediate flight cancellations.
2British Airways and Ryanair flights are significantly affected at London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, with cancellations to destinations like Milan, Geneva, and Jersey.
3KLM is facing a critical de-icing fluid shortage at Amsterdam Schiphol, consuming 85,000 liters daily and contributing to widespread European flight disruption.
4UK Civil Aviation Authority rules require airlines to provide care (food, accommodation) for weather delays, but no financial compensation is due for 'extraordinary circumstances'.

Storm Goretti is causing severe disruption across the UK air travel network. Heavy snow and high winds have forced the temporary closure of major regional airports. The powerful storm has been described as a "weather bomb" by some sources.

UK Airport Operations Suspended

Birmingham Airport (BHX) and East Midlands Airport (EMA) suspended all runway operations. This was due to heavy snowfall blanketing the Midlands region. Airport teams are working to clear the runways. Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight status.

In the South West, Jersey Airport and Guernsey Airport closed early. This was in anticipation of dangerous wind levels. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for dangerous winds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Major Airline Cancellations and Delays

Global carriers are facing significant operational challenges. British Airways (BA) cancelled flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Milan and Geneva. BA also cancelled two flights from Gatwick (LGW) to Jersey. Flights from LHR and Manchester (MAN) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) are delayed.

Low-cost carrier Ryanair issued a travel update. They warned of potential disruption to UK flights due to snow and ice. Affected passengers will be notified via the airline's app. EasyJet also reported cancellations related to the dangerous wind conditions.

European Hubs Face Operational Strain

Disruption extends beyond the UK, affecting key European hubs. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is under extreme pressure. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is facing a critical de-icing fluid shortage. The airline's de-icing trucks have been running around the clock. They are consuming approximately 85,000 liters of the mixture daily. This has led to hundreds of flight cancellations at Schiphol.

In France, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) has also seen delays and cancellations. Snowfall in the region has also impacted ground transport.

Air Passenger Rights and Compensation

Passengers facing delays or cancellations have specific rights under UK law. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mandates that airlines must provide care and assistance. This includes meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required.

However, extreme weather is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance." This means passengers are generally not entitled to financial compensation. The airline's duty of care remains in effect regardless of the cause. Passengers should keep receipts for all reasonable expenses. For the latest commercial aviation news, check the updates at flying.flights.

Short-Haul Flights (up to 1,500km): Care is due after a two-hour delay.
Medium-Haul Flights (1,500km to 3,500km): Care is due after a three-hour delay.
Long-Haul Flights (over 3,500km): Care is due after a four-hour delay.

Passengers are urged to check directly with their airline, such as British Airways or Air France, before traveling to the airport.