Air traffic control glitch identified after UK passengers left stranded due to ‘network-wide failure’

Thousands of passengers were stranded at airports after a ‘network-wide failure of UK air traffic control systems’ - including some who were sat on their planes which were unable to take-off. There have also been complaints from passengers trying to get into the UK that their flight was delayed due to the technical failure.

The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has now “identified and remedied” the technical issue affecting its flight planning system. In a statement, they said: “We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible.”

“Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system’s performance as we return to normal operations. Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe, and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing,” NATS added.

It also advised customers to continue contacting their airline for up-to-date flight information.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium as of 2.30pm revealed that hundreds of flights had been cancelled today (August 28). Figures show that 232 flights departing UK airports have been cancelled - equivalent to 8% of all departures and 271 flights arriving at UK airports have been cancelled - equivalent to 9% of all arrivals.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has commented on the situation via X, saying: “The technical issue affecting @NATS has now been resolved. Aviation Minister @CharlotteV and I are continuing to work with NATS to help them manage affected flights and support passengers. All passengers should still contact their airline for specific flight information”

Airline Loganair posted on X earlier on Monday: “There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning.

"Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights maybe subject to delays. If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport."

One traveller expressed her frustration on social media, saying: “On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport…and have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait.”

While NATS has confirmed it has fixed the technical issue with the UK’s air traffic control system, a number of airports have warned the disruption it has caused will continue. London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Heathrow all confirmed schedules will remain significantly disrupted for the rest of the day.