A significant technical failure at the UK's National Air Traffic Services (Nats) has plunged major airports into chaos, causing widespread flight cancellations and severe delays for thousands of frustrated travellers.
The incident, which began on Tuesday, primarily affected operations at London Stansted Airport but also sent ripples across European air travel, impacting hubs in Berlin and Brussels.
Passengers Left in Limbo
Social media was flooded with images and videos of lengthy queues and crowded departure halls as passengers were left stranded for hours with little information. Many travellers took to platforms to express their anger and frustration at the lack of communication from airlines regarding the escalating situation.
Official Response and Investigation
Nats, the country's leading provider of air traffic control services, confirmed it was investigating a "technical issue" affecting its flight planning system. This critical system is responsible for processing and automating flight plans, a cornerstone of efficient and safe air traffic management.
In an official statement, Nats said, "We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Our technical experts are looking into the matter and working hard to find a solution."
European Travel Network Disrupted
The disruption was not confined to the UK. Brussels Airport in Belgium and Berlin Airport in Germany both reported significant knock-on effects, with numerous flights to and from the UK being cancelled or severely delayed. This highlights the interconnected nature of European air travel, where a single point of failure can have a cascading effect across the continent.
Airports and airlines have advised all passengers to check the status of their flight directly with their carrier before travelling to the airport, as the situation continues to develop.
