UPDATE: An Air India flight AI117 was forced to divert to London Heathrow after declaring an emergency while approaching Birmingham Airport on January 8, 2024. The flight, which was en route from Amritsar, India, faced severe weather conditions due to Storm Goretti, triggering a dramatic turn of events.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a “Squawk 7700” emergency code as it approached Birmingham, where snowfall had drastically reduced visibility to below 500 metres. This visibility was well under the minimum required for a safe landing, prompting pilots to declare an emergency after holding in the air for an extended period.
The situation escalated when the aircraft entered a minimum fuel state, forcing it to abandon its landing attempt near Leamington Spa. Air Traffic Control granted the flight priority handling, allowing it to reroute to London Heathrow, where longer runways and advanced landing systems could accommodate the emergency.
“The safety of our colleagues and customers is our number one priority,” Birmingham Airport stated amidst the chaos.
Upon reaching Heathrow, Flight AI117 landed safely, averting what could have been a critical situation. Meanwhile, Birmingham Airport suspended all runway operations due to heavy snow, impacting numerous flights to destinations including Paris, Delhi, and Amsterdam.
As of 5:10 AM on January 9, Birmingham Airport updated passengers, stating, “Runway operations are still suspended; passenger security processing has commenced.” Travelers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
The unfolding situation has left many passengers stranded and anxious, highlighting the impact of extreme weather on air travel. With flights canceled and delays reported, the airport continues to navigate the challenges posed by the storm.
Authorities will monitor the weather conditions closely, with updates expected throughout the day. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety as operations resume.
