10 UK airports face main chaos as planes grounded and flights delayed – see listing
Chaos has unfolded across 10 UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick following an air traffic control technical issue, with things to return to normal by 9pm
10 airports have reportedly been affected (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
At least 10 airports across the UK are experiencing minor to severe issues, with many planes grounded and flights delayed.
According to Flightradar24, 10 UK airports are facing minor to major disruptions. They include Aberdeen International Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Manchester Airport, Nottingham East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport and London Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow and City Airports.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has provided an update, saying the technical issues seems to have been identified. Air traffic is expected to return to normal at 9pm UK time, according to Flightradar24, which cites Eurocontrol. NATS said: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
Operations should be back to normal by 9pm UK time
“We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.
“Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.”
Heathrow Airport
The airport said its air traffic control is experiencing a technical issue. “The air traffic control service is experiencing a technical issue which is impacting departing flights at UK airports,” it says.
“Arriving flights are not currently impacted. We are supporting our local NATS team in their efforts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We will provide updated information when we have it. We apologise to those disrupted and advise passengers to check with their airline for latest flight information.”
Gatwick Airport
Travellers are venting online while being stuck at Gatwick. One person wrote on X: “Nothing leaving Gatwick. “I’ve been on the tarmac for over an hour.”
Another X user also said they were “30 mins late” and “grounded” at Gatwick.
Belfast City Airport
It said in a statement, the airport said: “Due to the technical issue referenced below, there may be some disruption to flights due to arrive in and depart from Belfast City Airport. The latest flight information can be found on our website.”
It didn’t clarify if delays would be because of issues affecting other airports, or whether it was directly impacted.
Belfast International, a separate airport serving the Northern Irish capital, is yet to comment – but some passengers on social media are referencing that there are no departures at the airport.
Edinburgh Airport
The airport says: “We are aware of a technical issue affecting NATS which may impact operations.
“We are working closely with air traffic control, airlines and other partners, and hope NATS can resolve the issue as quickly as possible”.
East Midlands Airport and Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport has shared advice for passengers as the technical issue is resolved, adding that it “may result in delays to some departing flights” today.
The statement added: “Passengers due to travel are advised to check the latest status of their flight with their airline. We will continue to monitor the situation and share further updates as more information becomes available.”
East Midlands Airport shared a similar update, urging travellers to check with their airlines for more information.
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