Flights grounded as UK air traffic control systems suffer ‘technical issue’

Planes leaving and flying to the United Kingdom have been grounded following a “technical issue” with air traffic control systems.

In a statement on Monday, National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the country’s air traffic controller, said its engineers were making efforts to identify the fault.

“We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault,” the statement reads.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The organisation did not provide any further information about what caused it or how long it would take to fix.

Easy Jet, a British multinational low-cost airline, told its passengers that the issue is currently affecting all flights due to fly in or out of the UK.

A message sent to travellers, reads: “We have been advised of an air traffic control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into or out of United Kingdom airspace.”

“We are working with the relevant authorities to understand the impact of this issue and the timescale for normal operations to resume.

“If you are already onboard one of our places waiting to take off then our crew will keep you updated.

“If you are in one of our airports waiting to board then please continue to check the flight information screens in the terminals.

“Whilst this disruption is outside of our control we sincerely apologise for the disruption to your travel plans today.”

Gabby Logan, a television presenter working with BBC, is among those affected by the shutdown, which has left her stranded on the runway at Budapest Airport.

“After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait,” she wrote on X.