Birmingham Airport starts hydrogen plane trial as M42 roadworks cause delays

Birmingham Airport has become a partner in the UK‑backed HyPRIME programme, led by hydrogen powertrain company ZeroAvia. The multi‑million‑pound project will test liquid‑hydrogen fuel‑cell aircraft operating from the airport alongside Bristol Airport, ULEMCO and GeoPura. It aims to assess practical procedures, safety requirements and economic considerations for future zero‑emission flights, with findings intended to guide hydrogen infrastructure deployment across the nation’s aviation sector. Airport head of sustainability Tom Denton said the trial moves the airport closer to its goal of lower‑carbon operations.

In addition, motorists heading to the airport were warned of severe congestion after roadworks on the M42 disrupted key access points. The northbound carriageway between Junction 6 (Bickenhill Interchange) and Junction 9 was closed, and the southbound link to the M6 was also shut, causing delays until the early hours of Monday, 27 July. Drivers were advised to expect heavy traffic, especially around the A452 and A446 routes serving the airport.