Last updated: September 8, 2026
A technical issue involving the UK’s air traffic control system has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations at Heathrow, Gatwick and airports across the country.
Departing flights have been hit hardest, although restrictions are also affecting some arrivals and services connecting the UK with airports elsewhere in Europe.
UK airspace remains open and flights are still operating. However, NATS, the company responsible for managing much of the country’s air traffic, has warned that it will take time for normal operations to recover.
Anyone due to fly from or into a UK airport on September 8 should check directly with their airline before leaving for the terminal. Disruption could continue after the technical problem is resolved as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews.
Which UK airports are affected?
The disruption has been reported at several of the UK’s busiest airports, including:
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- London Stansted
- London Luton
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Aberdeen
- Glasgow
Dublin Airport has also warned that some flights arriving from or departing for the UK may be delayed.
Reuters reported that Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted were among the airports experiencing restrictions, delays and cancellations.
What caused the UK flight disruption?
NATS said the issue was found in its flight processing system. Engineers were working urgently to restore normal operations, but the organization had not explained what caused the problem at the time of publication.
The disruption reduced the number of flights that could be managed normally, resulting in departure restrictions and a growing backlog at several airports.
Flights have continued to depart and UK airspace has not closed. However, Flightradar24 said both arrivals and departures were being regulated within the London Flight Information Region.
NATS apologized for the disruption and advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline. Travelers can follow new statements through the official NATS website.
How many flights have been cancelled?
The number of affected flights continues to change as airlines revise their schedules.
As of Tuesday afternoon, flight-tracking data cited by Reuters showed approximately 100 cancellations and 367 delays at Heathrow. Gatwick had recorded around 250 delays, representing roughly 31% of its scheduled flights at that point.
These figures are a snapshot rather than a final count. More flights could be delayed or cancelled as airports and airlines work through the backlog.
British Airways confirmed that its flights were being disrupted by the issue. EasyJet said the problem was also causing delays elsewhere in its European network.
Should passengers still go to the airport?
Passengers should not assume their flight has been cancelled simply because it is delayed.
Check the airline’s app, website, email notifications or text messages before changing your plans. If the flight is still listed as operating, follow the airline’s check-in instructions and arrive at the time it recommends.
Airport departure boards can provide a quick overview, but the airline is the best source for rebooking options and passenger assistance. Heathrow travelers can also check the airport’s live departures page.
If your journey includes separate connecting flights, monitor each reservation individually. A delay to the first flight does not automatically protect a separately booked connection.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled
- Check directly with the airline. Its app or website should contain the latest departure information and any available rebooking options.
- Save the airline’s messages. Keep screenshots of the delay or cancellation notice, the stated reason and any replacement flight offered.
- Ask what assistance is available. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be required to provide food, drinks, communication and, when necessary, overnight accommodation and transportation.
- Keep itemized receipts. If the airline cannot provide required assistance directly, retain receipts for reasonable expenses you pay yourself.
- Ask about rerouting before buying another flight. Do not assume the airline will reimburse an expensive replacement ticket booked independently.
- Contact other travel providers. Hotels, rental cars, rail tickets and separately booked connections may need to be changed.
- Check your travel insurance. Some policies cover expenses or losses that fall outside the airline’s legal responsibilities.
Are passengers entitled to compensation?
A cancellation or long delay does not automatically qualify a passenger for fixed cash compensation.
Under UK261, compensation depends partly on what caused the disruption and whether the airline could reasonably have prevented it. An air traffic control problem outside the airline’s own operations is likely to be treated as an extraordinary circumstance, although each claim must be considered individually.
Even when fixed compensation is not payable, passengers may still have the right to care during a qualifying delay. This can include food, drinks, communication and, if an overnight stay becomes necessary, accommodation and transportation between the airport and hotel.
If a covered flight is cancelled, the airline must generally offer a refund or alternative transportation. Passengers should speak to the airline before choosing an option because accepting a refund can end its responsibility to reroute the journey.
If a qualifying delay reaches five hours and you decide not to travel, you may be able to request a refund instead. The UK Civil Aviation Authority explains the rights covering delayed and cancelled flights.
Could the disruption continue after NATS restores the system?
Yes. Returning the flight processing system to normal will not immediately put every aircraft back on schedule.
Aircraft may be at the wrong airport, crews can reach their legal working-time limits and airlines may have to wait for new departure slots. Those complications can cause additional delays and cancellations after the original technical issue has been resolved.
Passengers flying later on September 8 or early on September 9 should continue monitoring their reservations, even if the flight currently appears to be operating normally.
