ATC glitch causes disruptions in London air traffic

LONDON - A "technical issue" at NATS affected London air traffic Wednesday. According to NATS, the issue at the Swanwick Centre has been resolved. Still, London airports experience significant delays and flight cancellations. It remained unclear which exact system caused the glitch.

Citing a "technical issue at NATS Swanwick air traffic control centre", NATS limited the number of aircraft flying in the London control area "in order to ensure safety" Wednesday afternoon. "We apologise for any delays this may cause," NATS said.

The affected system was restored shortly after. "We are in the process of resuming normal operations in the London area," NATS said. "We continue to work closely with airline and airport customers to minimise disruption."

At Heathrow and Gatwick airports many flights were delayed or cancelled.