Flights across the UK have been disrupted after the air traffic control provider Nats experienced a technical problem.
Nats apologised to passengers for the problem, which has led to flights being suspended at a number of airports including Gatwick and Birmingham at the height of the holiday season.
The company said it was limiting the number of aircraft flying in the London control area. The technical problem relates to Nats’ control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire.
Gatwick airport said the problem was affecting all outbound flights across the UK, while Birmingham airport said departing flights from many UK airports had been suspended.
Several flights scheduled to arrive at UK airports were being forced to conduct holding patterns or divert.
In August 2023, more than 700,000 passengers experienced disruption when flights were grounded at UK airports when Nats was hit by a technical glitch while processing a flight plan.
Nats said on Wednesday: “As a result of a technical issue at Nats’ Swanwick air traffic control centre, we are limiting the number of aircraft flying in the London control area in order to ensure safety, which is always our first priority.
“We apologise for any delays this may cause. Our engineers are working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and we are working closely with airlines to help minimise disruption.
“At this stage we cannot say how long it will be before operations are back to normal. Please check with your airline on the status of your flight.”
Gatwick said: “There are currently no departures from London Gatwick while the situation is being resolved. We are working with Nats to resume flights as quickly as possible. Inbound flights are still landing at the airport. Passengers should check the status of their flights with their airline.”