A lightning strike knocked out air traffic control systems at London Luton Airport on Thursday evening, causing mass flight cancellations and leaving many passengers stranded. Operations were suspended for around 95 minutes as thunderstorms swept over the area, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding.
Disruption details
The disruption began at around 5:40pm and lasted until 7:15pm, according to the airport that serves London and the south east. An estimated 30 services were affected. On X, one passenger reported being kept on the plane on the tarmac for two hours, while another said her niece and nephew had been “stranded” at East Midlands Airport after their flight to Luton was diverted. Images shared on social media showed the approach to the airport had been affected by flash flooding.
Airport and NATS statements
A Luton Airport spokesperson told The Sun: “Flights to and from London Luton Airport have now resumed following an earlier suspension of operations caused by a lightning strike affecting Air Traffic Control equipment.
“The disruption coincided with a period of severe weather across the area, resulting in flash flooding on local roads, and the airport approach.
“As operations return to normal, some flights may continue to experience delays or cancellations as airlines work to recover their schedules.”
Passengers are being advised to check the status of their flight with their airline. Thunderstorms are also believed to have impacted services at Stansted Airport.
Impact and recovery
NATS, the service provider for air traffic control, said in a statement to the same newspaper: “Severe thunderstorms have affected parts of the south east this evening, causing significant disruption to flights at London Luton and Stansted airports.
“Flights to and from London Luton Airport have now resumed following an earlier suspension caused by a lightning strike affecting Air Traffic Control equipment. We apologise for the disruption caused.”
