Flights across the UK are facing widespread disruption after air traffic control provider Nats suffered a technical problem at its main control centre. The company is limiting the number of aircraft which can fly in the "London control area", which covers most of England and Wales.
The technical issue relates to Nats' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire. British Airways said the problem is "affecting the vast majority of our flights".
Airports confirm widespread impact
Gatwick airport said the technical glitch is affecting all outbound flights across the UK. Birmingham airport reported that "departing flights from many UK airports have been suspended".
Several flights scheduled to arrive at UK airports are being forced to conduct holding patterns or divert elsewhere. The disruption is causing significant delays and cancellations across the country's aviation network.
Previous disruption caused chaos
More than 700,000 passengers suffered disruption when flights were grounded at UK airports on 28 August 2023. That incident occurred when Nats suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan.
The current technical problem marks another significant challenge for UK air traffic control systems. Passengers are facing uncertainty over their travel plans as airlines work to manage the ongoing disruption.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
