Birmingham Airport Reopens After Aircraft Incident Causes Delays

Birmingham International Airport, a major UK airport, has reopened after being closed for over five hours due to an aircraft incident. The runway was shut down following a crash-landing involving a Beech B2000 Super King G-NIAA, which was heading to Belfast. Aviation experts noted that the aircraft had transmitted emergency code 7700 before the abrupt landing. The pilots were forced to make this rapid maneuver shortly after taking off when they realized their landing gear was malfunctioning.

two crew members and one passenger. They received treatment on the runway, with only one person reported to have sustained minor injuries. Passengers faced significant delays as numerous flights were either postponed, rerouted, or canceled. Birmingham Airport has expressed its apologies for the disruption.

A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport announced on social media that the runway had reopened and operations had resumed following the incident. Passengers were advised to check flight details with their airlines and follow their guidance. The airport acknowledged the frustration and apologized for the disruption. They stated that their teams had worked as quickly as possible, adhering to strict protocols to ensure the safe reopening of the runway after the extended closure.

Woodcraft Aviation, the owner of the Beechcraft aircraft involved, released a statement. A spokesperson explained that the turbo-prop aircraft was en route to Belfast International Airport when it experienced landing gear problems. The aircraft returned to Birmingham and made an emergency landing, with the main undercarriage collapsing upon touchdown. The statement confirmed that the two crew members and one passenger on board were uninjured. The aircraft remains on the runway, and Woodgate Aviation will cooperate fully with air accident investigators and airport services. They also praised the professionalism of their colleagues and the emergency services at the airport for their prompt action. The Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.