Birmingham Airport (BHX) is grappling with a dual disruption on Thursday, 7 August 2026, as a technical fault in its baggage handling system coincides with severe motorway congestion caused by a lorry fire on the M6 northbound. The airport has confirmed that the baggage issue is affecting some outbound luggage, while drivers heading to the airport face queues of up to 90 minutes.
Baggage System Failure Impacts Outbound Flights
The airport took to social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and X to alert passengers that the baggage system is currently down. Engineers have been dispatched to the site and are working to resolve the problem, but no timeline has been provided for when the system will be fully operational again.
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport told BirminghamLive: “We are experiencing an issue with our baggage systems which is impacting some outbound luggage. Engineers are on site and working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Terminal colleagues are also working hard to ensure baggage in terminal is being processed as quickly as possible.”
The spokesperson added: “We expect this to cause inconvenience for some passengers, and we sincerely apologise for this. Those due to travel today, should still arrive at the airport in line with Airline advice.”
M6 Lorry Fire Causes Major Delays
Simultaneously, a lorry fire on the M6 northbound has led to significant traffic disruption. The incident occurred between Junction 4 (for BHX) and Junction 6 (for Birmingham), with the fire engulfing the entire vehicle. National Highways reported that three of the four lanes remain closed, and delays of up to 20 minutes were initially reported, but queues soon stretched to 90 minutes as congestion built.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed that no injuries were sustained in the incident. A spokesperson for the fire service told BirminghamLive: “We're currently in attendance at fire affecting a heavy goods vehicle on the M6 Northbound, between J4 for BHX and J6 for Birmingham. Three fire engines from Sheldon, Hay Mills and Bickenhill are at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire, which affected the entirety of the lorry.”
The spokesperson added: “There were no casualties or injuries. After a full motorway closure, one lane has now re-opened. Please follow National Highways West Midlands for traffic updates. Highways and Police colleagues are also in attendance, supporting with traffic management and vehicle recovery.”
Impact on Passengers and Drivers
Birmingham Airport has advised passengers travelling to the airport to allow extra time for their journeys due to the ongoing traffic situation. The combination of the baggage system failure and motorway delays is expected to cause significant inconvenience for travellers, with the airport apologising for the disruption.
National Highways issued an update stating: “Lanes one, two and three (of four) remain closed on the M6 northbound between J4 and J5 following a HGV fire which resulted in damaging the road. West Midlands Fire Service continues to work at the scene. Current delays of up to 20 minutes on approach. Two miles of congestion.”
However, drivers reported much longer waiting times, with some stuck in traffic for up to 90 minutes. The fire has also caused damage to the road surface, which may require repair work before all lanes can be reopened.
Advice for Travellers
Passengers due to travel today are urged to check with their airline for the latest flight information and to arrive at the airport in line with airline advice, despite the baggage system issues. The airport has not indicated whether any flights have been delayed or cancelled as a result of the baggage problem.
Drivers are advised to avoid the M6 northbound between J4 and J6 if possible, and to follow updates from National Highways West Midlands for the latest traffic information. The fire service has confirmed that no casualties were reported, and the focus is now on clearing the scene and repairing the road.
