UK flights faced significant delays and cancellations after a second air traffic control glitch this month. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) reported a “connectivity issue” at its Prestwick centre in Scotland, affecting numerous airports including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester. Although NATS stated the problem was resolved by mid-morning, the impact on flight schedules was immediate and widespread.
Passengers were advised to check with airlines for updates, as the knock-on effects of the disruption were expected to linger. This incident follows a previous technical failure earlier in the month that had already strained the aviation network, raising concerns about the reliability of air traffic systems in the UK.
Ryanair has publicly called for the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe, citing repeated system failures and inadequate backup procedures. The airline’s criticism highlights growing frustration among carriers and passengers alike, who are increasingly affected by these operational issues.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has demanded assurances that lessons will be learned from these incidents. With air travel still recovering from the pandemic, the reliability of air traffic control systems is crucial for restoring passenger confidence and ensuring smooth operations in the future.
Source: Euronews
