Flights have resumed in the United Kingdom (UK) as the airspace reopened after a control glitch on Wednesday.
Thousands of passengers across the UK were left stranded following a major technical glitch in the country’s air traffic control system, disrupting flights at several major airports.
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport confirmed the disruption, attributing it to a national issue with air traffic control in the South of England.
“Due to a national issue with air traffic control in the South of England, departing flights have been temporarily suspended. We will provide further updates and apologise for the inconvenience.”
It was discovered that operations at other major airports across the UK, including Heathrow and Gatwick, were also affected.
Gatwick Airport issued a press statement where it disclosed that all outbound flights had been suspended due to the technical problem that was affecting departures nationwide.
Passengers flooded social media with complaints, photos and videos from planes grounded on the tarmac, with some venting their anger and frustration.
“We are the same @manairport. Stuck on an @easyJet waiting to fly to Cyprus,” an X user posted from Manchester Airport after being stranded.
The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed in a statement that the technical glitch originated from its Swanwick control centre.
NATS also stated that it had been forced to restrict aircraft movements within the London control area.
“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 to ensure safety, which remains our top priority,” the agency said.
