Birmingham Airport Expands Routes and Navigates Storm Goretti Challenges in 2026

9 January 2026 Travel

Birmingham Airport’s Strategic Expansion

Birmingham Airport is experiencing significant growth in 2026, positioning itself as a major hub for UK and international travel. Birmingham Airport is positioning itself as a hub for easy travel to sought-after destinations in Scotland, France, and Italy, helping to bolster the region’s tourism economy and global connectivity. The airport’s expansion reflects growing demand for direct connections from the West Midlands to key European destinations.

New Routes Taking Flight in 2026

Multiple airlines are launching exciting new routes from Birmingham Airport throughout 2026. Starting 30 March 2026, easyJet will begin operating direct flights from Birmingham to Inverness, Scotland. This historic first-ever direct service to the Scottish Highlands makes the region more accessible to Midlands travellers. Additionally, an additional new route to Nice will launch on 1 May 2026 and will also operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, offering a convenient connection to the south of France for both leisure and business travellers.

The expansion extends beyond easyJet’s offerings. Tirana – TUI: A new route to the Albanian capital, with flights operating twice a week from April 2026. Other new destinations include Budapest, Hungary – TUI: A new direct flight to Budapest, starting May 2026, supporting TUI’s Danube river cruise programme. Jet2 is also adding Palermo, Sicily, with flights and holidays departing every Wednesday from Birmingham Airport between 6th May and 28th October 2026.

Storm Goretti Disrupts Operations

Despite the positive expansion news, Birmingham Airport faced operational challenges this week. Birmingham Airport closed its runway overnight, but following safety inspections on Friday morning, it has since reopened. The disruption was caused by Storm Goretti, which has been described by the Met Office as a ‘multi-hazard event’ and is bringing a combination of heavy rain, extremely strong winds and snow. The airport prioritised passenger safety, with the runway reopening on a reduced basis, with teams working to get passengers away as efficiently as possible.

Significance for Travellers and Regional Economy

These developments highlight Birmingham Airport’s growing importance in the UK aviation landscape. The new routes provide West Midlands residents with unprecedented access to diverse destinations, from Scottish highlands to Mediterranean beaches. While weather disruptions like Storm Goretti demonstrate the challenges airports face, Birmingham’s swift recovery and continued expansion plans underscore its resilience and commitment to serving the region’s travel needs throughout 2026.