U.K. Air Traffic Control Systems Failure Sparks Widespread Flight Disruptions

A major failure of the U.K.’s air traffic control systems is causing significant flight disruptions across the U.K.

According to reports, and a statement from Scotland-based Loganair along with several airports, there has been a network-wide failure of U.K. air traffic control computer systems on Monday morning. The failure is causing the British National Air Traffic Service (NATS) to restrict all flights as its team works to address the issues.

“There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning,” Loganair said on Monday at 7 a.m. EST. “If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport.”

“Due to an ongoing UK-wide flight planning system technical issue, disruption to flights is highly likely. Whilst this issue is out of our control we are advising all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport,” Belfast City Airport said on Monday morning.

The failure is causing significant delays at major airports across the U.K. according to FlightAware, including:

• London Heathrow: 26% of all departures, 24% of arrivals.
• London Stansted: 11% of all departures, 22% of arrivals.
• London Gatwick: 29% of all departures, 41% of arrivals.
• London City: 30% of all departures, 38% of arrivals.
• Glasgow International: 23% of all departures, 30% of arrivals.
• Edinburgh: 24% of all departures, 21% of arrivals.
• Manchester: 18% of all departures, 20% of arrivals.
• Birmingham International: 17% of all departures, 19% of arrivals.

Even some airports outside of the U.K. are being impacted, including Dublin Airport, which issued its own warning to its passengers.

“Air Traffic Control issues in the UK today are resulting in delays and cancellations to some flights into and out of Dublin Airport. We advise all passengers due to travel today to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of traveling,” it said in a statement on Monday.

There is currently no timetable from NATS as to when the issue will be resolved

All travelers flying into, out of, or through U.K.-based airports are being told to check with their airline before heading to the airport. Travelers currently at airports are reportedly experiencing significant delays, with one flyer headed to the U.K. from Budapest telling Reuters that their pilot told passengers that they were facing an 8 to 12-hour delay.