Radar Failure Grounds Arrivals at Major UK Airport
A significant technical failure with a critical air traffic control radar has brought arrivals at Birmingham Airport to a complete standstill. The issue, which began on Sunday 11 January 2026, is linked to a power outage at a National Air Traffic Services (NATS) site, reportedly caused by severe weather in the region.
NATS, which manages UK airspace, confirmed engineers are working with National Grid to restore power and resolve the problem as swiftly as possible. The organisation has issued a public apology for the widespread disruption caused to travellers.
Widespread Flight Disruption and Passenger Impact
The radar fault has had an immediate and severe impact on flight schedules. Airport authorities confirmed that nine flights have been cancelled or diverted to other airports. Furthermore, at least a dozen services are facing significant delays, with several passengers being told to expect hold-ups of over four hours.
A spokesperson for the airport stated: "Due to a technical issue with NATS' radar that serves Birmingham Airport, only departing flights are currently operating, with some delays. All arriving flights are currently suspended." They added that teams are working closely with NATS to rectify the situation.
Ongoing Efforts and Travel Advice
While the primary focus is on restoring the radar system, the incident highlights the vulnerability of aviation infrastructure to technical and weather-related problems. Passengers scheduled to fly into or out of Birmingham are being urged to:
- Check their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
- Allow extra time for journeys and expect continued disruption even as services resume.
- Refer to official airport and airline channels for the most current information.
This remains a developing story, with further updates expected as engineers work to fully restore normal operations. The disruption underscores the critical role of NATS' systems in maintaining the smooth flow of air traffic across the UK.
