THE UK airspace has been hit by a “network-wide failure” as holidaymakers face Bank Holiday delays.
Air traffic controllers are facing major disruption as the system has been brought to a halt.
Passengers are being told the network is down and that their flights will be delayed for hours, despite already having boarded the plane, according to reports.
However, it’s understood not all flights have been grounded with the National Air Traffic Controllers (NATS) only putting “traffic flow restrictions” in place.
NATS said in a statement: “We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety.
“Engineers are working to find and the fix the fault.
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“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
One holidaymaker said: “Not Ryanair sitting us on the flight and then telling us there are problems with the UK systems so we aren’t setting off til 18:45? It’s 11:50am.”
Another said: “Sat on the tarmac at Ibiza Airport and issues with UK air traffic control according to pilot.
“Delay unknown at present!”
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And TV presenter Gabby Logan was also caught up in the problems.
She said: “On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family.
“And I have just been told that the UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait.”
EasyJet issued a statement saying they were working with authorities to get the issue solved.
A spokesperson said: “We have been advised of an Air Traffic Control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into and 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.”
Jet2 also issued a statement, saying: “UK Air Traffic Control are reporting a significant failure of their systems resulting in significant delays to all flights departing and returning to the UK.
“Further update to follow as soon as we have more information.”
Scottish airline Loganair also posted a statement on Twitter.
They said: “There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning.
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“Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights maybe subject to delays.
“If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport.”
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Morgan Johnson
