Summary

  • A technical issue at UK air traffic control has led to long flight delays, with thousands of passengers stuck on planes and at airports

  • All airlines operating in the UK have been affected, with more than 500 flights cancelled

  • National Air Traffic Services, which said the fault was fixed by 15:15 BST, is investigating "thoroughly" what caused its flight planning system to fail

  • British Airways is advising short-haul passengers not to travel to the airport unless their flight is shown to be operating

  • Other airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Loganair and Aer Lingus have all warned of delays or cancellations

Live Reporting

Edited by Rob Corp

  1. What is air traffic service Nats?

    This story emerged from the UK's National Air Traffic Services (Nats), which describes itself as the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services.

    Its website adds that it handles 2.5 million flights in a "normal year" - and 250 million passengers travelling in UK airspace.

    The firm says it also offers its services in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

  2. Gabby Logan reports flight to UK grounded at Budapest airport

    Gabby Logan

    Broadcaster Gabby Logan says on X, formerly Twitter, she was on a plane on a runway at Budapest airport, and has "just been told UK airspace is shut", adding "we could be here for 12 hours".

    We're getting more information on this story by the minute so stick with us.

  3. UK air traffic service confirms 'technical issues'

    The UK's National Air Traffic Services (Nats) has confirmed “technical issues”, and that it has “applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety”.

    In a brief statement, it adds: “Engineers are working to find and the fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

    The firm does not provide any further information about the cause or timescale. It follows reports of widespread disruption to UK aviation.

    We'll bring you more as we get it.

  4. Loganair statement in full

    Here's what Scottish airline Loganair said a few moments ago:

    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."

  5. Widespread UK air traffic control issues reported
    Breaking

    James FitzGerald
    Live reporter

    “Technical issues” are hitting air traffic control in the UK, the National Air Traffic Services confirms, saying it has “applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety”.

    It follows a report from Scottish airline Loganair of a “network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning”.

    There have been reports of flight delays – with warnings of more to come.

    Stay with us as we update you on this breaking story.