Frustrated passengers caught out by the latest air traffic technical glitch have been stuck for hours at UK airports and on planes.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled across airports in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, affecting holiday and work plans for thousands of people.

The latest bout of disruption was due to a ‘technical issue’ affecting the National Air Traffic Services (Nats), the main provider for UK airports, less than two weeks after a similar incident affected around 2,000 flights.

One passenger who has spent all day travelling but is still halfway to his destination is Peter Allison, 39, from Edinburgh.

The director of Woven Whisky was scheduled to fly out from Edinburgh Airport to Bordeaux via Gatwick for a two-day work conference, which he has now missed half of.

Shortly after boarding his 8.15am flight, the passengers were told there was a three-hour delay.

He told Metro: ‘We couldn’t believe it. It sounded like a joke, like we had literally just sat down.’

After waiting for a while, the doors were opened and passengers were told they could disembark, but if they did, they would ‘forfeit any compensation or ability to get back on if and when the plane does leave,’ Peter said.

He continued: ‘People were very frustrated. Hot. Bothered. Kids crying, people getting anxious etc. It was pretty bad.’

Updates from the captain were ‘sporadic and hard to follow’ due to ‘plane jargon and what sounded like excuses,’ while the crew were ‘pretty bad at communicating too’, he claimed.

He was left £100 out of pocket after buying new tickets for a connecting flight to Bordeaux, which has since been delayed until about 9pm.

When asked what he would tell Nats bosses, Peter said: ‘We all have to learn from times we’ve messed up.

‘You messed up a few weeks ago, and it’s happened again. Someone needs to a. figure it out, and b. get their knuckles wrapped.

‘It’s us, the travellers who are having to deal with it. And it’s not very nice on anyone. People rely on you providing dependable services. So sort it out.’

Meanwhile, Finlay Mattheis, 22, from Goole, has spent more than 12 hours at Leeds-Bradford Airport.

The chef’s Ryanair flight to Bratislava, Slovakia, scheduled to leave at 7.55am was delayed until 9.35pm.

He told Metro: ‘I’m only off for three nights as the flights were really cheap and I had intended to go and watch a football game tonight, but obviously that plan has died a death.’ 

When he heard that the flight had been pushed back until later tonight, he thought about going home to wait before finding out he could ‘leave the airport but not come back on the same boarding pass despite only living 50 minutes away.’  

He said his flight was one of the worst affected, with many others being held back for ‘only one or two hours.’  

Disrupted passengers are unlikely to get compensation, the Civil Aviation Authority warned.

This is because technical issues are considered an extraordinary circumstance, which is out of the airlines’ control – as was the case with the disruption earlier this month.

However, airlines are required to look after passengers during delays such as handing out food and drinks.

Several airlines have criticised the air traffic provider, and Ryanair’s chief operating officer, Neal McMahon, called for the Nats boss Martin Rolfe to resign.

While flights in the UK were resuming normal operations, US airports suffered an air traffic control issue, causing ground delays and disruption at many of the country’s busiest airfields.

Affected airports include New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, New Jersey’s Newark Airport, Boston’s Logan International, and Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia International Airport.

US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said Amtrak construction crew accidentally cut into a fiber line in New Jersey, which caused the outage and forced flights to halt across the northeast.

So far, 183 flights have reportedly been axed, and 197 are delayed.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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The death of Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s only son, is being investigated as an overdose, police said Monday.

Gerber, the eldest son of Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died September 20 at a rehab facility in Los Angeles, according to the county’s medical examiner. He was 27.

A representative for Presley’s parents and his younger sister, 25-year-old Kaia Gerber, confirmed the death and told The Independent in a statement: “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Santa Monica police were called to the facility at around 9:35 a.m. Sunday, investigators told The Independent in a statement. Officers found Gerber dead at the scene.

“SMPD detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose,” officials said. “At this time, there is no indication of foul play.”

His official cause of death has yet to be disclosed by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The Independent has reached out to the office for comment.

Gerber was a fashion model who worked with brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein.

He was open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues in the years before his death.

In March, Presley posted a video of himself using experimental drug Ibogaine in a drug withdrawal treatment called pre Ibogaine Flood Dose. The psychedelic drug is illegal in the U.S., but Presley was undergoing the treatment in Cancun, Mexico.

He captioned the post, in part, “i was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this (helps to not go into the situations you do that get ya there but that’s life sometimes.) (my mantras were love yourself and lis gotta be the last time for this reason. letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why i was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, i started finding my way back to myself.”

“We shall see,” he wrote. “Praying it’s the last time I have to come back. Next time I’d like to choose.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.

In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.

A 28-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted in the city centre

Officers are looking to speak with a woman in connection with an assault on one of Cardiff’s most famous streets.

South Wales Police has launched an appeal for information following an assault against a 28-year-old woman in Caroline Street in the city centre.

The police force has shared what appears to be a CCTV image of a woman they are interested in speaking to.

South Wales Police said: “Recognise this woman? We need to speak to her in connection with an assault on a 28-year-old woman in Caroline Street, Cardiff city centre.

“Anyone who recognises her or the individual herself is asked to contact us quoting 2500395189.”

The police force can be contacted by calling 101, via its live chat platform by clicking here, or via an online form by clicking here. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

Alternatively information can also be given via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or its online form by clicking here.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Caroline Street, also known as Chippy Lane or Chip Alley, is one of Cardiff’s most famous streets.

It’s known for its array of takeaways which attract revellers after a night out.

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The 22-year-old first became a household name alongside parents Amanda Owen and Clive Owen on Our Yorkshire Farm, before going on to front his own successful Channel 5 series, Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales.

What has Reuben Owen said about his future on screen?

The Owen family from Our Yorkshire Farm and Our Farm Next Door (Image: CHANNEL4)

Since the original programme ended, Reuben has emerged as the Owen family’s breakout star while building his contracting and excavation business in the Yorkshire Dales.

Despite his growing profile, Reuben insists television is not his future.

In an interview with the Telegraph in 2025, Reuben said: “I don’t want a career on television; I want to be known as the guy who digs big holes; my current ambition is to buy a 50-ton excavator. Now that really would be the realisation of a dream.

“I think the next thing we need to think about is getting somewhere a bit better to keep all these machines, and hopefully somewhere for me to live as well.

“That’s the dream next. Get myself a yard and a house. We’ll have to see what the future holds.”

Reuben Owen’s television journey

(Left to right) Violet, Clemmy, Reuben, Sidney, Annas, Edith, Miles, Nancy, and Raven starring in the More4 series Our Farm Next Door (Image: Channel 4/PA Wire)

Reuben first appeared on Our Yorkshire Farm, the Channel 5 series that followed life at the Owen family’s remote hill farm in the Yorkshire Dales.

After the show wrapped up in 2022, he moved into his first spin-off, Beyond the Yorkshire Farm: Reuben & Clive, alongside his dad, Clive Owen, documenting the pair working on various projects across the countryside.

His television career then took another step forward when he was handed his own Channel 5 programme, Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales in 2024, charting the growth of his contracting business and life working in rural Yorkshire.

In May, Channel 5 premiered the third series of Life in the Dales, following Reuben, girlfriend Jess and the wider team through a range of agricultural projects.

Will he return to TV screens?

Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales (Image: CHANNEL 5)

Despite insisting he does not want to become a television personality, Reuben shows no sign of leaving the cameras behind just yet.

While Channel 5 has yet to reveal whether Life in the Dales will return for a fourth season, reports suggest Reuben has already lined up another television role outside the programme.

While details are still under wraps, the role highlights broadcasters’ continued interest in working with the young contractor.

Reuben Owen (Image: CHANNEL 4)

The 22-year-old also continues to feature in Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, which follows the family’s restoration of the neighbouring property known as Anty John’s.

Reuben has made it clear that farming and machinery work, rather than life in the spotlight, remain at the heart of his future.

He has also said he wants to keep farming and values it even more after spending less time on the family farm.

While some were born in the county, others grew up here or developed strong links with the region before going on to find fame.

Here are some of the best-known celebrities with connections to County Durham.

Mark Gatiss

Born in Sedgefield, Mark Gatiss has become one of Britain’s most successful television writers and actors.

He first rose to prominence as a member of cult comedy troupe The League of Gentlemen before going on to co-create the hugely successful BBC drama Sherlock with Steven Moffat.

His long list of credits also includes Doctor Who, Dracula, Game of Thrones and The Crown, cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s leading creative talents.

(Image: PA)

Rowan Atkinson

Few comedians are as instantly recognisable as Rowan Atkinson, who was born in Consett.

Atkinson is best known around the world for creating the iconic character Mr Bean, whose largely silent comedy made him a global star.

He also starred as Edmund Blackadder in the beloved BBC sitcom Blackadder and has enjoyed a lengthy career across television, film and stage productions.

(Image: BBC / PA)

Jeff Stelling

Veteran broadcaster Jeff Stelling remains one of the most popular figures in British sports television.

The Hartlepool-born presenter became a household name through Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, fronting the programme for nearly 30 years before stepping down in 2023.

He has also presented Champions League coverage, hosted Countdown and remains a familiar voice in football broadcasting.

(Image: PA)

Stephen Tompkinson

Middlesbrough-born actor Stephen Tompkinson spent much of his childhood in County Durham and remains closely associated with the North East.

He is known for starring in hit television dramas including DCI Banks, Wild at Heart, Ballykissangel and Drop the Dead Donkey.

Away from television, he has also appeared in films such as Brassed Off and numerous stage productions.

(Image: PA)

Scarlett Moffatt

Bishop Auckland’s Scarlett Moffatt shot to fame on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, where her humour quickly made her a viewer favourite.

Her popularity grew further when she won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2016.

Since then, Moffatt has enjoyed a successful television career, presenting a range of entertainment and factual programmes while remaining one of the North East’s best-known TV personalities.

Matt Baker

Matt Baker, who grew up on a farm near Easington, is one of the country’s most recognisable broadcasters.

After becoming a presenter on Blue Peter, he went on to host The One Show alongside Alex Jones and has been a regular face on Countryfile for more than a decade.

In recent years, he has continued to champion rural life and farming communities through television projects produced by his own company.

(Image: Paul Stuart/PA)

Sara Davies

Businesswoman Sara Davies has become one of County Durham’s biggest success stories.

The Coundon entrepreneur founded crafting company Crafter’s Companion while still a student and went on to build it into an international business.

She joined BBC programme Dragon’s Den in 2019 as its youngest-ever female investor and has since become a regular television personality, including a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing.

(Image: BBC)

Ben Stokes

Although born in Christchurch, New Zealand, England cricket captain Ben Stokes has strong County Durham connections.

He moved to the North East as a child and developed his game through Durham’s cricketing system before progressing to international stardom.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Stokes has played a pivotal role in England’s successes in both Test and one-day cricket.

Alun Armstrong

Actor Alun Armstrong grew up in Annfield Plain and has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than five decades.

The former Royal Shakespeare Company performer has appeared in a huge range of productions, including New Tricks, Oliver Twist, Vanity Fair and Little Dorrit.

His versatility has made him one of the North East’s most respected acting exports.

(Image: PA)

Denise Welch

Although she was born in Tynemouth, actress and television presenter Denise Welch spent much of her childhood in Ebchester, near Consett, giving her strong County Durham connections.

Welch trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts before going on to enjoy a successful acting career spanning more than four decades.

She is best known for playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, a role that earned her widespread recognition, as well as appearances in Waterloo Road.

Away from acting, she became one of the most recognisable panellists on ITV’s Loose Women, where she openly spoke about mental health, addiction and life in the public eye.

Welch is also known as the mother of The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, with the family maintaining strong North East links despite her national television career.

(Image: BBC)

Gina McKee

Peterlee-born Gina McKee is one of County Durham’s most acclaimed actresses.

After beginning her career in television dramas during the late 1980s and early 1990s, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Alison Braithwaite in BBC drama Our Friends in the North.

Her career has since included appearances in major productions such as Notting Hill, Atonement, Phantom Thread, The Borgias and Bodyguard.

Known for her versatility on screen and stage, McKee remains one of the county’s most successful acting exports.

(Image: Ruth Crafer Photography)

County Durham’s star power

County Durham’s list of famous faces stretches far beyond these names.

From television stars and actors to entrepreneurs and sporting heroes, the county continues to produce people who make their mark nationally and internationally.

Whether it is a global comedy icon from Consett, a television favourite from Bishop Auckland or an England cricket captain developed through Durham’s ranks, the region has no shortage of celebrity connections to celebrate.

Corrie McQueen, 29, and Martin Patterson, 44, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, September 21.

Two men have appeared in court charged with murder following the gunshot death of a dad in Armadale.

Corrie McQueen, 29, and Martin Patterson, 44, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier today, Monday, September 21 charged with murder after Billy Watson, 35, died at the scene of an incident in the West Lothian town on Saturday, September 12. McQueen and Patterson, both of Armadale, were also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Both men made no plea and were remanded in custody while the case was committed for further examination. They are both due to reappear in court within the next eight days.

In total, three men have now been charged with murder following Billy’s death. Last week, Frank McCarthy, 57, appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court charged with murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Emergency services were called to Harestanes Road in Armadale after dad Billy was found seriously injured at around 11.50am on Saturday, September 12.

Police previously confirmed his death is being treated as murder after results of a post-mortem revealed the father suffered fatal injuries consistent with being shot by a firearm.

Police Scotland appealed for information on four people who were seen in the area at the time. Cops were also looking for information of the routes of a blue BMW and a black Vauxhall Mokka.

There were no further injuries. Images taken from the scene of Billy’s death showed a significant police presence in the area.

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OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

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