UK travel chaos as air traffic control down affecting all international flights
Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Stansted, Newcastle, Manchester, Gatwick and Luton are among the airports affected.
Passengers across the UK have shared their frustration on social media, with people on planes in Liverpool and Manchester saying they're sitting on the runway with no sign of taking off.
Follow along with our live blog below for the latest updates.
17:14 Chiara Fiorillo
Airlines are attempting to recover their flight operations after an air traffic control (ATC) fault caused major disruption this afternoon.
The technical glitch affected flights across the UK as the number of aircraft which could fly in England and Wales was restricted, ATC provider NATS said.
It has left many aircraft and flight crew out of position.
While the issue was ongoing, British Airways said the problem was "affecting the vast majority of our flight."
17:08 Chiara Fiorillo
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has said that while the issue has been resolved, "continued disruption" is expected.
She has urged passengers to check the status of their flight with their individual airlines.
I am aware of a technical issue which impacted @NATS operations causing travel disruption this afternoon.
I have been informed systems have now been restored but continued disruption is expected, and passengers should check with individual airports for advice. — Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) July 30, 2025
17:04 Chiara Fiorillo
NATS, the National Air Traffic Service, is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services.
The company handles over 2.5 million flights and looks after 250 million passengers travelling over the UK and across the North Atlantic every year.
Beyond air traffic control, NATS also provides consultancy and delivery services in all aspects of air traffic management. NATS is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
17:01 Chiara Fiorillo
Passenger David Ogilvie said he is in a plane on the runway at Newcastle Airport - but has no idea when the aircraft will be allowed to depart.
He told us he hasn't got "a clue what time we will be going - one minute they say we can go, then next time it's cancelled."
16:57 Chiara Fiorillo
Passenger Mark Robson told us he boarded a Vueling flight to Bilbao at T4 Heathrow at 3.30pm, expecting nothing more than a thirty minute delay.
However, once everyone was on board, passengers were warned they could face a delay of up to three hours.
He shared: "Once everyone was on board and we were ready to depart, we were informed that, because of the breakdown in the air traffic control European communication system, all flights were grounded and we could expect to be on the plane for three hours before we could depart.
"A further update from our captain says the situation is 'confusing', with some saying we should disembark while others are saying the problem is fixed.
"The captain wants us to stay on the plane for now in the hope that, amongst the massive backlog of flights waiting to depart, we might get an opportunity to leave Heathrow.
"I very much doubt it and am now counting the minutes until we can go home and start our compensation claim."
16:55 Chiara Fiorillo
Heathrow Airport said flights have resumed following the issues - and it urged passengers to check with their airline before travelling.
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Flights at Heathrow have resumed following a technical issue at the NATS Swanwick air traffic control centre.
"We are advising passengers to check with their airline before travelling. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
16:53 Chiara Fiorillo
NATS said in its latest statement: "Our engineers have now restored the system that was affected this afternoon.
"We are in the process of resuming normal operations in the London area.
"We continue to work closely with airline and airport customers to minimise disruption.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused."
16:50 KEY EVENT
About 30 minutes after issuing an initial alert, the agency said engineers had fixed the problem and that it was "in the process of restoring normal operations."
16:43 Chiara Fiorillo
More than 700,000 passengers suffered disruption when flights were grounded at UK airports on August 28, 2023 after NATS suffered a technical glitch while processing a flight plan.
16:40 Chiara Fiorillo
The National Air Traffic Service, or NATS, said its engineers are "working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible."
However, currently it's unclear how long the disruption will last. Aircraft over London this afternoon
16:36 Chiara Fiorillo
Newcastle Airport has confirmed all departures are currently suspended because of the technical issue.
The airport shared the update on X and said it will provide more information in due course.
Important passenger information
An issue in London's airspace is impacting national airport operations and all departures are currently suspended. We will provide an update in due course. — Newcastle International Airport (@NCLairport) July 30, 2025
16:33 Chiara Fiorillo
Several flights scheduled to arrive at UK airports are being forced to conduct holding patterns or divert elsewhere.
16:31 KEY EVENT
A statement from air traffic control provider Nats said: "As a result of a technical issue at Nats Swanwick air traffic control centre, we are limiting the number of aircraft flying in the London control area in order to ensure safety, which is always our first priority.
"We apologise for any delays this may cause.
"Our engineers are working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and we are working closely with airlines to help minimise disruption.
"At this stage we cannot say how long it will be before operations are back to normal.
"Please check with your airline on the status of your flight."
16:27 Chiara Fiorillo
In a statement, Gatwick Airport said the technical issue meant there are currently no departures while the situation is being resolved.
"A technical issue impacting Nats is affecting all outbound flights across the UK," the airport said on X.
"There are currently no departures from London Gatwick while the situation is being resolved.
"We are working with Nats to resume flights as quickly as possible. Inbound flights are still landing at the airport.
"Passengers should check the status of their flights with their airline."
16:25 KEY EVENT
Gatwick airport has said an air traffic control "technical issue" is affecting all outbound flights across the UK.
16:24 Chiara Fiorillo
Flightradar, which monitors air traffic at all time, said the issues is affecting southern parts of the UK.
The greatest impact will be felt at Heathrow Airport, which is the biggest airport in the country, it added.
Per @eurocontrol technical issues have closed the London CTA, affecting flights across the southern UK. Flights holding outside the CTA, diversions and delays are expected to mount. Greatest impact will be to Heathrow. https://t.co/umCnl9b5KP pic.twitter.com/LTTVtPrdNY — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 30, 2025
16:12 Chiara Fiorillo
Flights are facing disruption this afternoon with no planes landing or taking off from Heathrow.
According to reports, this could be due to "radar issues" affecting air traffic.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
New overnight sleeper train to connect 100 European cities with private cabins and panoramic views
The starting price is cheaper than a return flight in some cases FULL STEAM AHEAD New overnight sleeper train to connect 100 European cities with private cabins and panoramic views A SLEEPER train service is set to launch as an alternative to taking short-haul flights across Europe. The company called Nox has revealed plans to have private cabins with unbeatable views for passengers while connecting them across countries - and at an affordable price too. Advertisement 5 The Nox cabins will be completely private with huge panoramic windows Credit: Nox Mobility 5 Two of the three types of cabin will have 'loft-style' beds Credit: Nox Mobility Rather than queuing at an airport for hours for a flight that's half the time, this company has an alternative that sounds pretty good, if it gets off the ground. Berlin start-up Nox wants to "build a real alternative to short-haul flights" with entirely private rooms on its sleeper trains from 2027. Nox hopes to connect lots of cities across Europe starting with the likes of Stockholm, Vienna, Amsterdam, Toulouse, Barcelona all the way to Reggio di Calabria in Italy. And while you might be thinking that's an unpleasant journey sitting next to a stranger, well these cabins are completely private. Advertisement Inside will be a 2-metre-long bed, chair, storage, charging ports and panoramic window to gaze out of. On its website, Nox said: "Nox will focus on privacy, good sleep and affordable prices. "You will not need to share your room with strangers and can lock it from in- and outside. On top, we aim to offer ticket prices as low as air fares." It continued to add that the spacious design meant all personal luggage and items could also go into the cabin and not be left outside. Advertisement While tickets aren't yet on sale, Nox hopes to be as "affordable as a flight." It estimates single rooms will be as low as €79 (£68.77), with double rooms from €149 (£129.70). Picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – & will cut journey times by an hour 5 The cabins have storage as well as places to sit and work Credit: Nox Mobility 5 Eventually Nox wants to connect 100 European cities Credit: Nox Mobility Advertisement Nox added that prices will be "flexible depending on demand." It will have three room types, the single and double rooms will have loft style beds which passengers can get to by climbing a short ladder. Double Vista rooms have two beds, one being low and another chest-height for easy access. When passengers aren't sleeping, they can convert the beds into two seats. Advertisement Thibault Constant, co-founder of Nox said: "Sleeping while a train gets you across Europe is a great concept. But today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it's often more expensive than air travel. "We want to change that and make night trains an essential part of European travel." Nox is asking keen travellers to sign up for 'Early Bird perks' like 20 per cent off their first booking. There's also a free welcome drink and the chance to book a week before anyone else. Advertisement Other possible perks include premiere ride lottery, behind-the-scenes tours and testing before the official launch. Plus, the seven stunning European cities that Brits could take direct trains to as London station plans huge expansion. And the little-known UK train trick that lets you visit up to three destinations for the price of one – and the best routes to do it. 5 Nox hopes to launch its first route across Europe by 2027 Credit: Nox Mobility
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Another European airport is losing all of its Ryanair flights this year
Plus, the other axed route where the airport is at risk of closing NO GO Another European airport is losing all of its Ryanair flights this year THREE destinations in France are being ditched by Ryanair this winter. Ryanair announced it would be axing flights from three airports in France later this year due to the "astronomical" rise in air tax by the French government. Advertisement 4 The commune of Brive will no longer get direct flights from Ryanair Credit: Alamy 4 The commune has a bustling food scene as well as annual fairs Credit: Alamy Ryanair said in a statement that the decision to stop routes to cities such as Brive, is because of the French government's decision to increase air tax by 180 per cent which they called "astronomical". The airline added: "In response to this government tax, Ryanair will cease operations to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg, and reduce capacity at several other French airports." Ryanair currently operates two flights per week between London and Brive which is the biggest commune in Corrèze, and it's capital is Tulle. Direct flights from London Stansted to Brive will stop after October 24, 2025. Advertisement But if you manage to visit before then, you can explore local distilleries and even Lamy Chocolate Factory which create sweet treats. Brive has a large food market held three times a week in Georges Brassens Hall with more than 200 sellers where you can pick up lots of tasty local produce. In the winter months, Brive is known for holding traditional winter fairs called Foires Grasses. It also holds Foires Franches, a summer fair which has children's fairground rides, markets, games throughout the town and firework displays. Advertisement Other destinations that have been axed are Strasbourg, aka the Capital of Christmas. The third destination that Ryanair will no longer fly to is Bergerac. The beautiful French town with Venice style canals 4 Brive is part of the Dordogne Valley which has plenty of shops and restaurants Credit: Alamy Bosses at this French airport even fear that the terminal could close as a result. Advertisement Last week, Christophe Fauvel, president of the Dordogne Chamber of Commerce (CCI) explained that Ryanair stopping flights could lead to the closure of Bergerac Airport. Talking to French media, Christophe said: "It is what happens next that worries us. "If Ryanair decides to follow through on its threat and leaves Bergerac for good the airport may face closure". Bergerac Airport estimates that it will lose 18,000 passengers and a seven per cent loss of its annual passenger numbers. Advertisement Last year, Ryanair pulled its service to Bordeaux Airport – a decision that was finalised in October 2024. In early 2025, the airline also cut its route to Vatry. For anyone going away for the summer, check out this full list of UK airline hand luggage rules for peace of mind. And take a look at this underrated French city that has a 'bit of everything' with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels. Advertisement
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Sligo's proposed twinning with Italian town progresses
I'm often asked what a twinning is and how it works. It works like marriage. In our case, the engagement between the two cities began in September 2023. I selected six possible cities that had similarities, and Porto Torres was the first to say it was available. Over the past two years, periodic virtual meetings have been held between the two municipal administrations. Recently, the mayor of Porto Torres invited those responsible for the twinning to visit the country for next September. From my stay in Porto Torres in June, I was able to verify the following similarities and common points. Recent ancient DNA studies suggest that Neolithic people across Europe including those in Ireland and Sardinia descended largely from Anatolian farmers who migrated West. Sligo-Carrowmore and Carrowkeel and Sardinia including Porto Torres, both developed significant megalith monuments (ca.3700 -3000). Coastal towns with maritime heritage - Porto Torres is a port city on the Gulf of Asinara in northern Sardinia, historically important for trade and fishing Share maritime economy, tourist, fishing culture, and environmental sustainability are potential areas of exchanges. Porto Torres has Roman ruins, including the ancient bridge that has already attracted interest from ATU Sligo archeology department. ADVERTISEMENT Both towns can collaborate on heritage preservation, cultural tourism and historical education. Sligo is famously associated with poet W.B. Yeats and has a vibrant arts community supporting cultural initiatives and Port Torres has Sardinian literary artistic roots, including folk traditions and poetry. Both towns have similar population sizes, each serves as a regional hub with active local councils and community engagement. There's a desire to strengthen European cooperation, share best practices in governance, tourism and education shared relevance to both cities. Both towns have a university in their region (e.g. University of Sassari near to Porto Torres and ATU Sligo could be a great opportunity for student exchanges, through language programmes (English /Italian) and also a joint youth project. Meanwhile, a small voluntary group chaired by former Sligo major Rosaleen O`Grady are regularly meeting at Glasshouse Hotel Sligo to strengthen relations and pursue the twinning initiative between the two cities pending and facilitating an agreed friendship pact. If anybody wishes to contact Sligo Town Twinning group for information, please post top Glasshouse hotel Sligo: Porto Torres- Sligo Town Twinning Group-Italian Irish Group.
