A significant technical fault in the UK's air traffic control system has led to chaos at two of the country's busiest airports, Gatwick and Heathrow. The issue, which arose on Tuesday, forced airlines to cancel or delay hundreds of flights, leaving passengers frustrated and scrambling for alternatives.
What Happened?
The National Air Traffic Services (NATS), responsible for managing UK airspace, experienced a system-wide failure that disrupted flight planning and routing. While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports suggest a software malfunction may be to blame.
Impact on Travel
The technical glitch caused:
- Massive delays at Gatwick and Heathrow
- Over 200 flight cancellations across UK airports
- Knock-on effects expected to last several days
- Thousands of passengers facing extended waits or overnight stays
Airline Responses
Major carriers including British Airways, easyJet, and Virgin Atlantic issued warnings to passengers, advising them to check flight status before heading to airports. Some airlines have offered fee-free rebooking options for affected travellers.
Passenger Advice
If you're due to travel in the coming days:
- Check your flight status with your airline
- Allow extra time for potential delays
- Review your travel insurance policy
- Consider alternative transport if possible
NATS has apologised for the disruption and says engineers are working to fully restore normal operations. However, they warn that the backlog of flights may take time to clear completely.
