Heathrow and Gatwick delays live: Air traffic control glitch leaves 1,000 flights grounded

Tens of thousands of passengers in the UK have been affected by an air traffic control issue with flights delayed and cancelled and here is the latest from airports.

Heathrow: Arrivals into the airport have been suspended for the remainder of today while departures have resumed but disruption is expected to continue.

Gatwick: The airport is extremely busy with dozens of passengers queuing up to speak to staff members from the service centre. The airport is informing travellers via a regular announcement that it is aware of the Nats issue. “Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for more information regarding flights,” it further states.

Stansted: The airport says flights “may continue to be subject to disruption while airlines recover their schedules”. And a statement added: “If expecting to travel on Wednesday, September 9, please check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling to the airport.”

Manchester: Flight disruption is expected to continue “for the rest of the day” says the airport. In a post on X it added: “Only travel to the airport if your airline has confirmed that your flight is operating.”

Luton: The airport has also advised passengers to check the latest information with their airline before travelling. It stated: “We appreciate this disruption will be frustrating for passengers and are sorry for the impact on their journeys. We have colleagues on hand across the airport to support affected passengers and help keep people informed.”

Edinburgh: Passengers have been told there will be “knock on impacts” from Nats technical issues despite a fix implemented. A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport added: We are working closely with local air traffic control, airlines and other partners to minimise disruption where possible.”

East Midlands: Disruption is expected to continue for the rest of the day and the airport adds: “A full flight schedule is expected to operate tomorrow but the airport may be busier due to rescheduled flights.”