The T5 terminal of the Heathrow Airport in London on July 30, 2025. Photo: Jonathan Brady / Pa Images / Profimedia
A technical problem with the UK air traffic control system disturbed flights for more than four hours on the main airports in London and other parts of the country, but the problem was later resolved, and the offspring was resumed, reports Reuters.
“Our systems operate at maximum capacity, and air traffic returns to normal,” NATS said, the air traffic control service provider, in a post on the social network X.
“Departures from all airports have been resumed and we collaborate with airlines and airports affected to safely eliminate the accumulated delays. We apologize to all those affected by this issue,” added the British air control service.
The interruption, announced by NATS 20 minutes earlier, also affected Heathrow Airport, the largest airport in the UK and the busiest in Europe.
“Heathrow flights have been resumed after a technical problem at the Air Traffic Control Center NATS Swanwick. We recommend passengers to check (the information) with the airline before traveling,” said an airport spokesman.
Gatwick and Edinburgh airports also announced the resumption of operations.
London City Airport also reported earlier disturbances. It was not clear how long the interruption lasted.
The air operator Ryanair said that the disturbance lasted “over four hours” and caused more delays and more flight deviations, causing inconvenience for thousands of passengers.
The Irish Low-Cost airline said that the problem is “absolutely unacceptable” and requested the resignation of Martin Rolfe, the executive director of the air traffic control service (NATS).
“It is clear that the lessons from the NATS system that took place in August 2023 have not been taught and that passengers continue to suffer because of Martin Rolfe's incompetence,” said Neal McMahon, Ryanair's operational director, in a statement.
In August 2023, the UK flights were disturbed after the automatic processing of flight plans worked defective.
Last year, the UK aviation regulatory authority said NATS should review its emergency plans for interruptions after this disturbance, which, according to the heads of airlines, cost over 100 million pounds (133 million dollars) in reimbursement and compensation.
