Heathrow and Gatwick among airports hit by air traffic control problems
Major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick are experiencing significant flight delays due to a technical failure in Nats' flight processing system. Engineers are working to resolve the issue, though officials warn that operational recovery will take time.
Why it matters
Air traffic control failures cause widespread travel disruption and highlight the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure to technical glitches.
Image source, Getty Images By Theo Leggett Business Correspondent Published 8 September 2026, 15:33 BST Updated 4 minutes ago Departures from a number of UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, have been affected by a technical problem affecting the air traffic control provider Nats.
At Heathrow, departures were initially paused around lunchtime. Traffic then resumed, before facing further stop-start disruption in the afternoon. Incoming flights have been landing as normal.
Gatwick said it was currently being affected by the issue, along with other airports. East Midlands has also been affected by the issue, while Manchester Airport warned that some departing flights could be delayed.
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