Could a UK Air Traffic Control System Failure Cause More Flight Delays?

Flights across the UK are facing disruption after a technical problem affected the air traffic control system used to process flights.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which provides air traffic control services across the UK, said engineers were working urgently to resolve the problem after identifying an issue in its flight processing system.

In its latest update, NATS said:

"We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.

"We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

"Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS."

The disruption has affected departing flights at a number of UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick. Other airports have also warned passengers about possible delays and disruption as the effects of the technical problem spread through the aviation network.

Manchester Airport has advised passengers that it is aware of the issue affecting UK airports and warned that it "may result in delays to some departing flights" today.

The airport said passengers due to travel should check the latest status of their flight directly with their airline. It added that it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.

East Midlands Airport issued similar advice, telling passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information about their flights.

At Gatwick, passengers reported being held on the tarmac for extended periods, while flight-tracking data showed a significant number of aircraft remaining on the ground at Heathrow.

Despite the disruption, NATS said UK airspace remains open and flights are still departing. However, the organisation warned that it would take some time for normal operations to resume as airlines and airports work through the backlog.

Passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations may have rights under UK law. Depending on the length of the delay and the circumstances, airlines may be required to provide food, drinks, communication facilities and, where necessary, accommodation and transport.

If a flight is cancelled, passengers are generally entitled to either a refund or an alternative flight. Compensation for long delays, however, depends on the cause of the disruption and whether it falls within the airline's responsibility.

Passengers travelling from Manchester, East Midlands, Heathrow, Gatwick or other affected airports are being advised to check their flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport.