Birmingham Airport. Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock Travelers heading to or from Birmingham Airport this weekend are being warned to plan ahead as major motorway closures are scheduled around the airport.
A section of the M42 will close from 9 p.m. on Friday, August 14, until 5 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, to allow HS2 construction work to continue.
According to National Highways, the closures will affect the M42 between Junctions 6 and 9 in both directions. Additional restrictions will affect links connecting the M6 and M6 Toll, potentially creating longer journey times for passengers traveling to Birmingham Airport.
Birmingham Airport shared the warning with passengers following an update from National Highways' West Midlands team, urging travelers to allow additional time when making their journeys this weekend.
The main closure will cover the M42 between Junction 6 and Junction 9 northbound and between Junction 9 and Junction 6 southbound.
The works will also affect the M6 Junction 4a southbound link to the M42 in both directions, as well as the M6 northbound Junction 3a link to the M6 Toll T1 and the M6 Toll southbound between T2.
A fully signed diversion route will be available throughout the closure.
The closure comes during a busy summer travel period, meaning passengers driving to or from Birmingham Airport could face delays depending on their route and traffic conditions.
Travelers with flights this weekend should check their route before setting off and allow extra time for their journey. Those collecting or dropping off passengers should also take the motorway restrictions into account when planning their departure time.
Passengers do not need to avoid Birmingham Airport, but they should be prepared for longer road journeys and potential congestion around diversion routes.
The closures are scheduled to end at 5 a.m. on Monday, August 17, with normal road arrangements expected to resume afterward, subject to the progress of the works.