Flights have now resumed at UK airports after a technical glitch in the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) systems caused more than 150 cancellations yesterday.
Nats said the radar-related issue was detected at 4.05pm and resolved within 20 minutes by switching to a backup system.
More than 100 flights were cancelled after the 20-minute air traffic control outage grounded planes and suspended take-offs across the UK.
Nats has said its systems are fully operational again and air traffic capacity is returning to normal – but there was a backlog of flights following the outage, with many delayed.
“This was a radar-related issue which was resolved by quickly switching to the back-up system during which time we reduced traffic to ensure safety,” Nats said, adding that there was “no evidence this was cyber-related”.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded across Europe after planes were diverted, some returning to their departure cities.
Travellers stranded on planes told The Independent of “terrible communication” from airlines and “chaos” in the airports.
Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Heathrow, and Manchester Airports were all among the airports across the UK affected by the outage.
Have you been affected by the air traffic control shutdown? If so, please email alex.croft@independent.co.uk
Watch: Major air traffic control outage grounds flights across the UK
Maroosha Muzaffar31 July 2025 06:30
Air traffic control should be far more robust, says British couple stranded in Malta
John and Julie Rusher were stranded in Malta Airport as they wait for a flight from Birmingham to arrive before it takes them back to the Midlands.
The plane left Birmingham two hours late, Mr Rusher said.
“Our delay will be at least 2 and a half hours and that doesn’t account for any lingering air traffic control issues at Birmingham on our return,” he adds.
“We are experienced travellers and we are comfortable and having something to eat. This is the 3rd Ryanair flight in 10 weeks with air traffic control delays. Yet I can order a meal to my table with my phone.
“I believe air traffic control should be the most robust system commercially and for…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…