UK air traffic control glitch grounds hundreds of flights

A software malfunction in the UK's air traffic control system caused significant travel chaos, with flights grounded or delayed at London's Gatwick and Stansted airports, along with other major hubs across the country. Controllers were forced to implement manual procedures while engineers worked to restore full operational capacity.

The technical issue emerged during morning peak hours, forcing airlines to ground aircraft and divert incoming flights to alternative destinations. Ground staff struggled to manage the mounting backlog of passengers as the disruption extended into the afternoon.

National Air Traffic Services, which operates UK airspace, confirmed the glitch and said engineers had begun restoration efforts. A spokesperson indicated that normal operations were expected to resume gradually as the system was brought back online.

The incident marks another significant disruption to European aviation in recent months, adding pressure on airlines already grappling with operational challenges and mounting passenger complaints. Several carriers issued statements apologizing for the inconvenience and offering rebooking options to affected travelers.

Airport authorities advised passengers to check with airlines before traveling and urged those with flexible schedules to postpone journeys until normal services resumed.