Airlines are working to normalize flight schedules following a significant disruption caused by an air traffic control (ATC) malfunction in Britain on Wednesday afternoon.
Nats, the ATC provider, reported that its technical teams have “restored the system that was affected” and are “in the process of resuming normal operations”.
The technical failure caused widespread flight disruptions across the UK as the number of flights permitted to operate in England and Wales was limited, according to the company.
The incident has resulted in numerous aircraft and flight crews being displaced.
During the problem, British Airways acknowledged that it was “affecting the vast majority of our flights,” and Birmingham Airport announced that “departing flights from many UK airports have been suspended.”
Many flights destined for UK airports were either held in holding patterns or diverted to alternative destinations.
Nats clarified that the “technical issue” originated at its control center in Swanwick, Hampshire.
UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander stated: “I am aware of a technical issue which impacted Nats’ operations causing travel disruption this afternoon.
“I have been informed systems have now been restored but continued disruption is expected, and passengers should check with individual airports for advice.”
Over 700,000 passengers experienced travel disruptions when flights were grounded at UK airports on August 28, 2023, due to a technical glitch affecting Nats’ flight plan processing.
