Home · Business · Sep 8 archive
UK Airports Struggle with Air Traffic Control Issues
Confirmed
In Short: Air traffic control problems have caused significant delays and cancellations at major UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Air traffic control issues are disrupting flights across the UK, with Heathrow and Gatwick among the worst affected, according to reports. The technical problem, affecting National Air Traffic Services (Nats), has led to departures being paused and flights being held at airports abroad. Passengers at Heathrow and Gatwick are facing travel chaos, with some flights cancelled and inbound flights being diverted or held. The disruption is expected to continue into the evening as Nats investigates the issue.
Flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, and Dublin are experiencing delays, with few aircraft able to take off. Landings are being restricted, causing some flights to be prevented from departing from overseas airports. Edinburgh Airport also warned of potential delays, while Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland are experiencing delays. The Guardian reported that departures from London airports are the worst hit, with few take-offs since the fault was reported early on Tuesday afternoon.
National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said at 1:46pm that it was 'investigating a technical issue which is causing some disruption to flight departures.' Heathrow's website showed several flights due to depart this afternoon have been cancelled, and London Heathrow has been listed as 'unavailable for arrivals' between 2pm and 4pm, according to FlightRadar24.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.