Airlines criticise air traffic control as second glitch causes more disruption

Airlines have criticized the UK's air traffic control following a second glitch this month that caused flight delays and cancellations. EasyJet and Wizz Air expressed concerns over the resilience of the system and a national confidence crisis in Nats, the company that manages the UK's air traffic. The issue at Prestwick in Ayrshire disrupted airports across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, delaying dozens of flights.

Nats blamed a connectivity issue, not a separate software defect at Swanwick, for the disruption. The problem has since been resolved, but officials warned of residual delays. At least 200 flights were cancelled or did not fly on Monday, including 100 inbound and 99 outbound. EasyJet was the worst affected with 47 of its 670 departures cancelled.

Industry representatives called for urgent reform or accountability in Nats' leadership, with some suggesting the chief should resign. Airlines urge passengers to check their flight status with their airline as Nats works to return air traffic to normal.