Road closures could disrupt journeys to six UK airports if you’re heading for some autumn sun,
GM Rides highlights motorway closures, overnight diversions and airport access-road works passengers should check before setting off
Passengers travelling through Heathrow, Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, Luton and Belfast International this October are being urged to check their airport routes as planned roadworks and closures could affect journeys.
Airport transfer service GM Rides has reviewed official notices covering motorway works and airport approaches, highlighting restrictions that passengers may need to factor into both their outward and return journeys.
Among the most significant dates is 23 to 26 October, when HS2 works are scheduled to close sections of the M42 and connecting routes near Birmingham. During the same weekend, the M25 anticlockwise carriageway at junction 15 near Heathrow is due to close between the M4 slip roads from 8pm on Saturday 24 October until 10am on Sunday 25 October.
Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director at GM Rides said, “An early flight can mean travelling while overnight road closures are still in place. A route that normally takes 40 minutes may involve a diversion at the exact time you need to use it.
Check the roads you will actually be travelling on, including the direction, junction and closure hours. Your departure time from home matters just as much as the date on your flight booking.”
The airport routes to check this October
Schedules checked on 7 October 2026. Restrictions can change at short notice. The effect on individual journeys depends on the route, direction and travel time.
GM Rides says one easily missed detail is the date an overnight closure starts.
National Highways lists closures by their starting date and advises early-morning travellers to check restrictions beginning the evening before. Someone travelling at 4am on Saturday may therefore need to look at Friday’s closure schedule.
Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director at GM Rides added, “Work backwards from when you need to be inside the terminal, allowing for parking, shuttle transfers and your airline’s check-in requirements. Then factor in any diversion on the road journey.
“If you are booking a transfer, give the operator your flight details and confirm the collection time against the planned roadworks. If you are driving yourself, use the correct terminal or car park entrance as your destination. Check your return journey too. A road can be open when you leave for your holiday and closed when you land a week later.”
Passengers should check their airport’s travel updates and the relevant roads authority before departure, allow additional time where restrictions affect their route, and follow signed diversions.
