Flights grounded in UK as major radar problem sees skies shut
Garwick Airport said: ""A technical issue impacting NATS is affecting all outbound flights across the UK," Gatwick says, adding:
"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."
Manchester Airport Group says all outbound departures from Manchester Airport, Stansted and East Midlands are now on hold.
Inbound aircraft on final approach to these airports can land, but nothing else, which the airport say will lead to diversions.
The National Air Traffic Services (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."
Later at 5pm the Nats said: "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.'
Birmingham airport said 'departing flights from many UK airports have been suspended'.
Several flights scheduled to arrive at UK airports are being forced to conduct holding patterns or divert elsewhere.
Experts on X have said the problems are widespread. Alex Macheras who described himself as an Aviation Analyst said: "Latest: London's airspace - the London CTA (Control Area) - is closed due to 'technical issues' affecting UK flights. Airline jets unable to key airspace area used for arrivals/departures & overflight. Heathrow to be most impacted. Delays, diversions & cancellations ahead."
Shaun's Aviation added: "Heathrow departures have just been suspended until further notice. Many other UK airports following suit. Departures from Irish Airports are facing delays too due to the failure."
Passenger Gurminder said: "Going nowhere as no departures from @HeathrowAirport for the last 40 minutes. Apparently 'the radar isn't working'. @British_Airways crew being fab. #heathrow."
Josh said: "I'm sitting on the tarmac in Dublin going to Heathrow. They made the announcement to us 3 mins after we were supposed to take off. First officer said 'it will likely be a lengthy delay.'
ITV Good Morning Britain's Richard Gaisford said: "Breaking: All planes grounded at Heathrow Airport. Air traffic control systems down. Source: Announcement in BA lounge at T5 as I wait for a flight to Barcelona. Work. Not play."
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