UK Air-Traffic Control Glitch Triggers Massive Flight Cancellations

A technical fault in the flight-data processing system used by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) caused a multi-hour outage that halted departures at major UK airports on Tuesday afternoon, forcing thousands of flight cancellations that spilled into the next day.

NATS system fault triggers mass flight cancellations across UK airports

NATS, a public-private partnership that controls 15 UK airports, has suffered three major system failures in just over three years: a flight-plan processing failure in August 2023, a radar issue in July 2025, and the current glitch. The 2023 outage cost airlines an estimated £100 million, prompting ongoing scrutiny of NATS’s resilience.

Times of South Africa

• Flight cancellations: Cirium recorded more than 1,900 cancellations by early morning on September 9; other trackers noted 1,300 cancellations on day 1 and 177 on day 2.

NATS system fault triggers mass flight cancellations across UK airports

• Airlines affected: Ryanair reported over 65,000 disrupted passengers and more than 50 cancelled flights. British Airways cancelled or diverted over 100 flights, affecting tens of thousands of customers. EasyJet, Air India and others reported knock-on effects.

Associated PressUK airports face further disruption after air traffic control glitch cancels more than 1,500 flights The Straits TimesUK Airports Reel Under Air Traffic Control Glitch: 1,300+ Flights Cancelled Over 1,000 flights cancelled as air traffic control glitch disrupts UK airports CNNEuronewsNew York Times

• Airports impacted: Heathrow and Gatwick were the most affected; departures resumed at Heathrow while arrivals were suspended for the night. Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and several Irish airports also experienced delays and cancellations.

CNNOver 1,000 flights cancelled as air traffic control glitch disrupts UK airports EuronewsTimes of South AfricaUK Airports Reel Under Air Traffic Control Glitch: 1,300+ Flights Cancelled New York TimesNATS system fault triggers mass flight cancellations across UK airports Associated Press

• “Work is continuing to assist airlines and airports recover from today’s disruption… We apologise again for the disruption caused.” — NATS chief executive

Over 1,000 flights cancelled as air traffic control glitch disrupts UK airports

• “I am seeking assurances that lessons will be learned and systems that support aviation are up to the job.” — Heidi Alexander, transport minister

Euronews

• “We will be doing a very thorough and full investigation.” — Martin Rolfe, NATS chief

The Irish Times

• Ryanair COO Neal McMahon demanded Rolfe’s resignation, saying families and visitors “have once again paid the price for NATS’ abhorrent failure.”

Euronews

• Wizz Air’s managing director warned that “a critical national infrastructure provider should not repeatedly bring the aviation system to a standstill. NATS is simply not fit for purpose.”

Times of South Africa

• “Families travelling on holiday, people travelling for work and thousands of visitors to the UK have once again paid the price for Nats’ abhorrent failure.” — Neal McMahon

Over 1,000 flights cancelled as air traffic control glitch disrupts UK airports

• “A critical national infrastructure provider should not repeatedly bring the aviation system to a standstill.” — Wizz Air managing director

Times of South Africa

• “I am seeking assurances that lessons will be learned and systems that support aviation are up to the job,” — Heidi Alexander

The Straits Times

• “Work is continuing to assist airlines and airports recover from today's disruption,” — NATS chief executive

Euronews

Sources differ on total cancellations: Cirium cites “more than 1,900,” Flightradar24 notes about 1,300 on day 1 and 177 on day 2, and another outlet reports “more than 1,750.” Passenger impact figures also vary, with Ryanair citing “over 65,000” disrupted passengers and another report mentioning “150,000” passengers affected.

Associated Press

Transport Secretary Alexander has summoned Martin Rolfe for a briefing and will address the civil aviation bill in the Commons. NATS has pledged a full investigation and will submit a report to the Civil Aviation Authority, which may consider further regulatory action. Airlines advise passengers to verify flight status directly with carriers as recovery proceeds.

Over 1,000 flights cancelled as air traffic control glitch disrupts UK airports