DFAT urges Australians to consult airlines after computer issue causes delays at UK airports

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Flights in and out of the UK were cancelled and delayed after a reported network-wide failure of Britain’s air traffic control computer systems.

The disruptions came on a public holiday which largely spelled the end of the European summer, affecting families and travellers returning home to resume work.

Planes at Heathrow Airport.Credit: Amanda Lewis

The UK’s National Air Traffic Service (NATS) said in two statements that airspace remained open but that it had been forced to apply air traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety.

“We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety,” NATS said.

“Engineers are working to find and fix the fault.”

NATS handles 2.5 million flights per year across the UK’s main 15 airports.

Jake Smith, 31, said he had been held on the tarmac on-board his British Airways flight from Porto, Spain for almost 50 minutes and said crew had advised passengers that the wait could be at least another 40 minutes.

But he said the pilot had invited passengers to come and view the flight deck to help pass the time.

“I got to live the dream of nine-year-old me,” he said.

British Airways passenger Jake Smith said he was delighted to have been invited to see the flight deck as delays caused by a UK flight control computer system error stranded passengers on tarmacs.

“It was great, particularly as it’s usually so security conscious.

“Both the pilot and the first officer, alongside the whole crew, have been great, keeping us informed and making sure everyone is able to get up, go to toilet and get refreshments.”

CBS journalist Emmet Lyons said he had been sitting on a runway in Majorca, Spain for two hours as a result of the system failure.

“Our pilot just said it was the ‘most unprecedented situation’ he has experienced in his career regarding the air traffic control issues faced in the UK,” he said.

Flight-monitoring website Flight Radar said arrivals into the UK’s airports, including London’s largest – Heathrow – were affected less compared to departing flights.

“UK airports, including London Heathrow, appear to be significantly limiting departures,” the website reported.

“Arrivals continue. All of our most tracked flights right now are London arrivals.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said, via its Smartraveller account, that Australians travelling should check with their airlines for travel updates.

“Air traffic control issues are currently affecting flights into and out of #unitedkingdom airspace. Delays may occur. You should check with your airline for further information,” it said.

The Scottish airline Logainair said that the UK’s air traffic control computer systems had suffered a complete network-wide failure.

“There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning,” it said on its social media account on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Airlines advised customers to proceed with their travel plans.

Airlines EasyJet and Jet2.com said they would continue to board flights per their scheduled departure time and urged passengers to continue to head to the airport as normal.

“This will allow us to depart as soon as we are given clearance and ensure that any impact is kept to a minimum,” Jet2.com said in a note to passengers.

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