Flights resume after air traffic control glitch causes disruption

Flights have resumed after a technical issue at air traffic control caused widespread disruption.

The National Air Traffic Service, or NATS, said the glitch happened at its control centre at Swanwick, Hampshire at 4.05pm before restoring the system 20 minutes later.

NATS initially issued a statement saying they were “limiting the number of aircraft flying in the London control area in order to ensure safety”.

Gatwick said “a technical issue impacting NATS is affecting all outbound flights across the UK” while Birmingham airport issued a similar statement “departing flights from many UK airports have been suspended”.

NATS restricted flights across an area covering most of England and Wales, before confirming it had “restored the system” which is causing flight delays and is in the “process of resuming normal operations”.

The disruption comes at a busy time for holidaymakers and will ultimately delay some passengers.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are advising passengers to check with their airline before travelling. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

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