London airspace shuts down after ‘computer failure’

Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, said a computer failure is affecting London airspace, which could cause “potentially severe” flight delays.

Flights at southern England airports were initially suspended until 6pm due to the problem at the NATS UK air traffic control centre at Swanwick in Hampshire, Eurocontrol said.

Air traffic management group NATS said the airspace is now open, but said: “We’re restricting traffic volumes in accordance with capability we currently have in our system.”Heathrow Airport said the power outage at the NATS control centre is affecting UK airspace.

Luton Airport said: “All flights experiencing delays due to a power outage at air traffic control centre affecting all UK airspace.Stansted airport said all departing flights are currently suspended. 

Incoming flights to Gatwick airport are continuing to land, but all departing flights were grounded.

Flights from Gatwick are now departing. Bristol Airport said: “Flights have resumed after Air Traffic Control problems, though there may be delays.”