At least 500 flights to and from the UK were canceled yesterday afternoon, and hundreds more long delayed because of a “ Technical problem according to the National Air Traffic Service (NATS).
” We currently have a technical problem and have put in place traffic restrictions (flights) for security reasons “, had first announced the NATS in a press release published shortly after 12 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. in France). ” Until our engineers fix this, flight plans are entered manually, which means we can’t process them at the same rate. “.
In a new press release published in the middle of the afternoon, the NATS said it had ” identified and remedied the technical problem “: ” We are now working with airlines and airports to manage affected flights as best we can.. But as late as last night, air traffic was still disrupted, with thousands of passengers waiting for their flights, either at UK airports or at European airports for flights to the UK.
” We are seeing delays and cancellations are likely. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you contact your airline for further information. London-Gatwick Airport posted on its Twitter profile, renamed X. London-Heathrow Airport, the country’s largest, said it “tworked in close collaboration with air traffic authorities and other airports to ” minimize the impact on passengers.
British Airways said in a statement that it was in contact with air traffic authorities to ” understand the consequences of the problem. She ” will keep (its) customers informed of the latest developments, she assured. ” Like all airlines using UK airspace, our flights are severely disrupted by a major issue affecting air traffic control “, she warned, adding that she had to modify her program for the day.
Many other airlines, including EasyJet and Ryanair, have also announced delays and cancellations and the testimonials of travelers stranded across Europe are multiplying last night… To help out travelers impacted by air traffic disruptions, the cross-Channel rail company Eurostar said it would run an additional train yesterday evening between Paris and London.
