Will there be delays and cancellations at Birmingham Airport today? Update after UK traffic control issues

Passengers travelling through Birmingham Airport today have been warned to expect possible delays and cancellations following yesterday’s major air traffic control disruption across the UK.

The technical problem affecting air traffic control was resolved yesterday, with departures at Birmingham Airport restarting at around 6.40pm.

However, the disruption left aircraft and flight crews out of position and flights were grounded at Birmingham yesterday afternoon, meaning airlines are continuing to deal with the knock-on effects.

Flights are operating at Birmingham Airport this morning, but passengers could still face delays or cancellations as airlines work to restore normal schedules.

Birmingham Airport has advised passengers to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.

The disruption was caused by a technical issue affecting UK air traffic control services operated by NATS. Although the immediate problem has been resolved, airports across the country are continuing to deal with the backlog created by the disruption.

Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for their journey and to check for updates before setting off.

The extent of delays today is expected to vary between airlines and individual flights, depending on whether aircraft or crew were affected by yesterday’s disruption.

East Midlands Airport has today (9 September) said that their flights have resumed as normal, but should check with airlines for any updates.

In a statement, a spokesperson for East Midlands Airport said last night: "19 flights due to leave the airport this evening have been suspended pending further guidance from Nats. Arrival flights at the airport are not currently affected.

"Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly. While some airlines told passengers not to go to the airport, many had already arrived to be on time for their flights.

"Some passengers, we are told are sitting on aircraft whose pilots are waiting for permission to depart," the statement said.

"However, the longer this issue continues, airlines may begin cancelling flights this evening."

The problem happened at Nats’ control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, and affected the vast majority of England and Wales.