Planes grounded to and from UK due to air traffic control 'technical issue'
Flights to and from the UK have been grounded due to a 'technical issue' at traffic control.
While the reason behind the nationwide fault is still unclear, passengers boarding flights have been warned about the issue - which began nearly an hour ago.
It comes as travellers enjoy the last bank holiday until December, with holidaymakers now facing long delays.
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The National Air Traffic Controller Service (NATS) told LADbible: "We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
"Please check with your airline on the status of your flight. We will provide updates on www.nats.aero for the latest news and on X - @NATS.
"To be clear, UK airspace is not closed, we have had to apply air traffic flow restrictions which ensures we can maintain safety."
However, there's yet to be a resolution to the issue with some airports and airlines already cancelling flights.
Many have advised customers to check before travelling, with EasyJet being the first airline to alert customers to the issue around 12.30pm (UK time).
According to the BBC, this happened after a flight was unable to takeoff due to the ongoing 'technical issue' with UK air traffic control.
The plane had been due to travel from Spain to the UK, as holidaymakers returned after the bank holiday.
EasyJet's statement read: "We have been advised of an air traffic control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into or out of United Kingdom airspace.
"We are working with the relevant authorities to understand the impact of this issue and the timescale for normal operations to resume.
“If you are already onboard one of our places waiting to take off then our crew will keep you updated.
“If you are in one of our airports waiting to board then please continue to check the flight information screens in the terminals.”
It concluded: “Whilst this disruption is outside of our control we sincerely apologise for the disruption to your travel plans today.”
As the situation continues, London Luton, Belfast and Dublin Airport have all warned of possible cancellations.
Though flights are still safely landing, many airports face a significantly reduced 'flow rate' with few planes arriving on time.
With the issue still unresolved, London Luton also released a statement via X and advised customers about the ongoing technical fault.
The tweet read: "An Air Traffic Control issue is affecting UK airspace, resulting in disruption to flights.
"We're working with the relevant authorities to understand the impact and the timescale for normal operations to resume.
"Please check with your airline for the latest status of your flight."
LADbible has contacted NATS for an update.
Katherine Sidnell