Brit flight chaos to continue into next week with thousands more affected – find out if your airport is involved
HUNDREDS of flights have been cancelled following the air traffic control failure yesterday, with more affected this morning.
Here’s everything you need to know, including how long the delays could continue.
Why are flights being cancelled?
A technical issue with Air Traffic Control yesterday afternoon resulted in widespread chaos, resulting in delayed and cancelled flights.
According to Cirium data, more than 1,500 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled yesterday, with more expected today.
How long could the flight problems last?
Airport delays could last up to a week due to a backlog of passengers and flights in the incorrect places after being grounded.
NATS Operations Director Juliet Kennedy warned it will take “some time for flights to return to normal”.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot said yesterday: “This is actually the busiest weekend since October 2019.
“The fact that it has gone on for so long means this is going to definitely start to impact flights all the way into next week.
“It’s going to impact flights across the globe.”
A number of UK airports have issued statements, with many warning to expect more delays and cancellations today – here’s the latest.
Heathrow Airport
Nearly 30 flights have been cancelled at London Heathrow today.
The biggest UK airport said in a statement: “Due to yesterday’s technical issues suffered by UK Air Traffic Control, there may be some continuing disruption on some routes, including flight cancellations.
“It is important for all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport and for those passengers who need to rebook to contact their airline directly rather than travelling to Heathrow.”
London Gatwick Airport
Around 23 flights have been cancelled at London Gatwick Airport today, with another 50 delayed.
While they said they expect to run a normal service, they told passengers to expect some delayed services.
A spokesperson said: “We are getting back to normal today and many of the flights are operating to schedule.
“However, there are still some disrupted flights as a result of yesterday, so our advice is still to check with your Airline.”
London Luton Airport
Six flights at London Luton have been delayed this morning.
A statement from Luton Airport this morning reads: “Flights may be subject to delay or cancellation as a result of of yesterday’s technical issues with Air Traffic Control systems across UK airspace.
“Please check with your airline for the latest status of your flight.”
Manchester Airport
At Manchester Airport, 26 flights have been cancelled already this morning.
Its latest statement says: “Following yesterday’s nationwide technical problem experienced by NATS, there continues to be some delays and cancellations.
“Please check your flight status with your airline before travelling to the airport.
“As our airlines look to accommodate passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted over the past 24 hours, our will be busier than usual at times.
“We are working hard with our airlines and their handling agents to get you through the airport as smoothly as possible.”
London Stansted Airport
Around 15 flights have been cancelled this morning at London Stansted.
The airport issued a similar statement as Manchester Airport although said they would be running a “normal flight schedule”.
Birmingham Airport
A statement from Birmingham Airport reads: ” We expect full loads of passengers on flights in and out today, including on services rescheduled from yesterday.
“It may take some days for all the effects of Monday’s air traffic system failure to wash out. Customers are advised to monitor the latest info from their airlines.
Bristol Airport
A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: “While the NATS technical issue has been resolved, customers can expect ongoing flight disruption today as the airlines work to return to normal flight operations.
“Customers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information.”
Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport’s latest statement says: “NATS are continuing to ensure a return to normal operations across the UK following yesterday’s technical issue.
“A small number of today’s services continue to be affected and we would remind passengers to check with their individual airlines for the latest flight updates.”
East Midlands Airport is yet to issue a new statement this morning.
Edinburgh Airport is yet to issue a new statement this morning
