Birmingham Airport. Photo: Shutterstock Travelers heading to and from Birmingham Airport this weekend are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys as major motorway closures linked to HS2 construction are set to affect the region.
Birmingham Airport has today, July 23, 2026, issued a travel advisory following an announcement from National Highways confirming that sections of the M42 will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. on Friday, July 24, until 5 a.m. on Monday, July 27.
The closures are part of ongoing engineering works required to install new railway structures for Britain's high-speed rail project, HS2.
According to National Highways, the northbound M42 will be closed between Junctions 6 and 9, while the southbound carriageway will be shut between Junction 7a and Junction 6 throughout the weekend. Temporary restrictions will also be in place on the M6 Toll between M6 Junction 3a and Toll Junction 1 northbound, as well as at Toll Junction 2 southbound.
The works form part of a wider program of engineering activity taking place between June and November 2026 to support the construction of HS2, the UK's flagship rail project designed to improve connections between major cities.
Birmingham Airport is advising passengers to check traffic conditions before leaving home and consider setting off earlier than usual, particularly during peak travel periods. The airport serves millions of passengers each year and is one of the UK's busiest aviation hubs, making reliable road access critical during the busy summer holiday season.
The timing of the closures coincides with one of the busiest periods of the year for leisure travel, with thousands of holidaymakers expected to pass through the airport over the weekend.
National Highways has published diversion routes and additional information for motorists affected by the closures. Drivers are encouraged to follow signed diversions and remain aware that congestion is likely on surrounding local roads.
Passengers traveling to Birmingham Airport by car, taxi, or bus are advised to monitor the latest travel updates and allow significant additional time to reach the terminal.
The motorway is expected to reopen fully at 5 a.m. on Monday, July 27, once the latest phase of HS2 engineering works has been completed.