The United Kingdom’s airspace has encountered a technical malfunction, as confirmed by the nation’s primary air traffic control services provider.
According to reports from the PA news agency, passengers preparing to board flights back to the UK have been informed of this issue.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has stated that it is currently grappling with a “technical issue,” which has compelled them to implement traffic flow restrictions to ensure safety.
In an official statement, NATS explained, “Engineers are actively working to identify and rectify the problem. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation might cause.”
In the meantime, Loganair, an airline based in Glasgow, has cautioned its customers that they might experience delays due to a widespread failure affecting air traffic control systems on Monday morning.
Using the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the airline communicated, “A comprehensive failure of UK air traffic control computer systems has occurred this morning. While we remain optimistic about the possibility of operating most intra-Scotland flights by utilizing local coordination and causing minimal disruption, flights traversing north-south routes and international flights could potentially face delays. Travelers on our flights today are advised to consult our website for the most current information regarding their flights before embarking to the airport.”
British Airways has also responded to the situation, stating, “We are collaborating closely with NATS to comprehend the implications of a technical glitch that is impacting UK airspace. We will continue to keep our customers informed with the latest updates.”
BBC presenter Gabby Logan revealed her personal experience with the issue, sharing on X, “Currently on a plane waiting on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost three weeks away from home, I’m just hours away from reuniting with my family. Unfortunately, I’ve just been informed that UK airspace is closed. There’s a possibility we might be stranded on the plane for up to 12 hours. So, we are currently onboard and waiting.”