UPDATE: An Air India flight heading to Birmingham Airport was forced to divert to London Heathrow after declaring a mid-air emergency due to severe weather conditions on January 8. Flight AI117, traveling from Amritsar, India, declared a “Squawk 7700” emergency while on approach to Birmingham, indicating a critical situation.
The incident was triggered by heavy snowfall from Storm Goretti, which drastically reduced visibility to below 500 metres, below the minimum requirement for a safe landing. As the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner held in a waiting pattern, fuel levels became dangerously low, necessitating immediate action from the pilots, according to reports from AirLive.
Air Traffic Control prioritized the flight’s landing, but the aircraft had to divert near Leamington Spa, heading towards London instead. It successfully landed at Heathrow, where the longer runways and advanced landing systems offered a safer option under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport suspended all runway operations due to the ongoing snowstorm. The airport confirmed that as of Thursday evening, operations were halted, and passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates. Flights to multiple destinations, including Paris, Bergamo, and Delhi, faced cancellations and delays.
An update issued by the airport at 5:10 AM on January 9 stated, “Our teams are completing final snow clearance and safety checks on the airfield.” Although runway operations remain suspended, the airport has begun processing passenger security.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by severe winter weather across the UK. With the Met Office warning of further blizzard conditions and up to 30 cm of snow expected, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about their flight status.
As this story develops, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent weather impact affecting air travel in the Midlands.
