More than 600 flights have been cancelled in the UK due to a technical fault at NATS, the country’s air traffic control agency. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 reported that the incident caused cancellations and significant delays at major airports across the country, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted.
In a statement, NATS said, “We have identified the issue within our flight processing system. Our engineers are on-site and working urgently to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. We sincerely apologize for the ongoing disruption faced by passengers.”
The agency added, “Flights are still operating and the airspace remains open, though it will take some time for the situation to return to normal.”
FlightRadar24 stated on social media that the issue necessitated strict controls on flights landing at and departing from airports within the London Flight Information Region.
Edinburgh Airport announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that its operations might also be disrupted by the issue. Dublin Airport in Ireland reported disruptions to both arriving and departing flights.
Reports of flight delays and cancellations also emerged from London Luton and Birmingham airports, with Aberdeen and Glasgow airports reporting similar situations. Dublin Airport further noted that some inbound and outbound flights could face delays.
British Airways stated that its flight operations had also been disrupted by the technical fault. In a statement, the airline said, “This matter is entirely beyond our control. Our staff are in contact with passengers and are working to get them to their destinations as quickly as possible.”
