Vortex Protection
Birmingham Airport runs a Vortex Protection Scheme to protect homes around the Airport from vortex damage. Vortices are circulating currents of air created by the passage of aircraft through the sky. All aircraft shed vortices, but in most cases they are broken up before they reach the ground. However, in certain weather conditions, the vortices can reach ground level.
During the latter stages of landing, it is possible for aircraft vortices to make contact with roofs of properties close to the Airport. They can, occasionally cause the movement and slippage of roof tiles. This is known as vortex damage.
Birmingham Airport introduced a Vortex Protection Scheme in 2003. All reported vortex strikes are investigated by the Airport Company. If the damage is confirmed to be vortex related, immediate repairs will be made to the roof. The property will then be added to the schedule of properties to be re-roofed.
More details regarding the Vortex Protection Scheme can be found on the VPS Leaflet 2011. If you would like to report a suspected vortex strike, please complete the Vortex Complaint Form and a member of the Environment Team will contact you, to arrange an appointment to inspect the damage. Alternatively, contact Rosalyn Gough (Environmental Relations Assistant) on 0121 767 8464 or the Environment Helpline on 0121 767 7433.
If you discover roof damage outside of office hours please contact our Airfield Duty Manager on 0121 767 7139.