Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Technical Issue Disrupts Departing Flights at Major UK Airports
A computer or technical problem affected the organization that helps control air traffic in the UK.
Because of this, some flights could not leave airports normally.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted were among the airports affected.
Some flights faced delays or restrictions.
Heathrow said it was working with NATS to fix the problem.
Edinburgh Airport said it might also be affected.
The issue happened on Tuesday.
The situation was still developing, so more information could emerge.
NATS experienced a technical issue that disrupted some departing flights on Tuesday.
Restrictions and delays affected Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted airports.
Heathrow said it was working with NATS to resolve the problem quickly.
Edinburgh Airport warned that the issue might affect its operations.
The situation remained developing, with the full extent of disruption unclear.
- Who
- NATS and passengers departing from several major British airports.
- What
- A technical issue caused restrictions and delays for some departing flights.
- When
- Tuesday; the situation was described as developing.
- Where
- Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted airports were affected, while Edinburgh warned it might also be impacted.
- Why
- NATS experienced a technical issue affecting air traffic control operations.
- Cause
- A technical issue experienced by NATS.
- Affected flights
- Some departing flights.
- Reported day
- Tuesday.
- Confirmed affected airports
- Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted.
- Potentially affected airport
- Edinburgh Airport.
- Response
- Heathrow said it was working with NATS to resolve the issue.
- Status
- Developing story.