More Flight Delays Expected Following Glitch That Cancelled Hundreds of Flights
BBC News reports on ongoing flight delays and cancellations following an air traffic control glitch that affected thousands of passengers.
By Theo Leggett, Business Correspondent
Published 8 September 2026, 15:33 BST
Updated 8 minutes ago
Flight delays are expected to continue on Wednesday after a problem with air traffic control cancelled hundreds of flights across the UK. Tens of thousands were impacted by the disruption, with tracking website FlightRadar24 reporting up to 1,000 flight cancellations due to a glitch affecting Nats, the air traffic control provider.
Nats’ boss, Martin Rolfe, apologized for the issue and promised a full investigation. He noted that resolving the problem took longer than anticipated. With limited take-offs, landing restrictions were implemented, causing further delays and cancellations at overseas airports.
The fault affected airports across the UK and beyond, including those in Scotland and Ireland. EasyJet canceled 200 flights, while British Airways reported over 100 cancellations. This is not the first time Nats’ control system has experienced disruptions, prompting calls for an overhaul from airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Rolfe declined to comment on his position, focusing instead on resolving the current problem. Ryanair reported delays of up to eight hours for over 65,000 passengers.
Heathrow, one of Europe’s busiest airports, experienced initial delays around lunchtime, with further disruptions in the afternoon due to a lack of departure space. Thirteen flights bound for Heathrow were diverted to other UK and European airports.
Passengers are advised to contact their airlines regarding flight status. British Airways anticipated knock-on effects due to the cancellations and diversions.
Airports across the UK reported cancellations and delays, encouraging travelers to check their flight details before traveling. According to FlightRadar, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham were among the hardest-hit airports.
