Fyi From Nats
Interruption to the air traffic control serviceAir traffic control operations returned to normal at 7pm tonight after a fault in one of the systems that feeds the controller workstations at the London Area Control Centre.
Restrictions were imposed on the number of aircraft entering UK airspace through London Area Control sectors – airspace above 24,000ft above England and Wales - and those taking off from major UK airports. This maintains safety whilst controllers operate with manual systems at reduced capacity; it does mean, however, that flights incur delay.
Scottish airspace, Manchester Area airspace and Manchester and London Terminal Control airspace operated normally throughout.
Ian Hall, NATS’ Director Operational Performance, said: “Safety has not been compromised at any stage and we sincerely apologise to those who have been inconvenienced this evening. We are working closely with airlines to increase capacity this evening to help minimise delays and impact on the rest of today’s schedules.
“NATS handles nearly 2.5m flights a year and our systems are incredibly resilient. We take every step to avoid any problems but are always aware, that in maintaining and updating highly complex systems, we can experience difficulties.
“We do sincerely apologise for inconvenience to travellers.”