Air Traffic Control glitch sparks travel chaos

A major computer fault at the UK's main air traffic control centre led to massive disruption across Britain yesterday (September 25).

Air traffic control company Nats was forced to restrict the number of planes entering UK airspace when a fault occurred at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire shortly before 4pm.

Though only sectors run from the London area were affected, the disruption had knock-on effects at airports across the breadth of the country, causing travel chaos for thousands.

Some 35 flights were axed at Heathrow, while scores of other cancellations hit Gatwick, Luton, London City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Cardiff airports.

A spokeswoman for British Airways insisted cancellations on short-haul routes such as Madrid and Alicante had been "inevitable," but she emphasised that the problem was rectified by 7pm.

Ian Hall, Nats director of operational performance, added: "Safety has not been compromised at any stage and we sincerely apologise to those who have been inconvenienced."

The delays were prompted by the need for air traffic control operators to switch to manual systems, which significantly lowered the frequency of take-offs and landings in London.

© Adfero Ltd