Passengers face delays and cancellations as air traffic control system encounters problems
Category: U.S. News
Manchester Airport is currently experiencing substantial disruptions and delays due to a technical issue affecting the UK’s air traffic control system, operated by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). As of September 8, 2026, 72 flights have been delayed and four have been cancelled, prompting urgent advisories for passengers to check their flight statuses with their airlines.
The technical issue was identified in NATS' flight processing system, which has caused widespread impacts across multiple airports in the UK. NATS confirmed the issue in a public statement, explaining that engineers are on-site working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. "We are investigating a technical issue which is causing some disruption to flight departures. Our engineers are on site and we will provide an update as soon as we can," NATS stated.
According to a spokesperson from Manchester Airport, the facility is aware of the situation and is actively monitoring the developments. Passengers have been advised to check the latest status of their flights online and should only travel to the airport if their airline confirms that their flight is operating. The spokesperson emphasized, "We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available."
Disruption has not been limited to Manchester Airport; it has also affected other major airports including Heathrow, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. Heathrow Airport communicated via social media that the air traffic control service NATS is experiencing a technical issue impacting departing flights, but assured that arriving flights are not currently affected. In their statement, they noted, "We are supporting our local NATS team in their efforts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We will provide updated information when we have it."
Similarly, Edinburgh Airport acknowledged the technical difficulties and expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating, "We are aware of a technical issue affecting NATS which may impact operations. We are working closely with air traffic control, airlines, and other partners." Birmingham Airport also reported that the issue is affecting airspace in the southern part of the UK, advising passengers to arrive in line with their airline's check-in requirements.
As of the latest updates, the issue has led to around 200 flights being cancelled nationwide, with the number expected to rise as airlines work to recover their schedules. NATS has reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue and minimizing the impact on travelers.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to remain informed about their flight statuses. NATS has advised travelers to consult their airlines for the most current information before heading to the airport. Manchester Airport has reiterated this advice, stating, "Only travel to the airport if your airline has confirmed that your flight is operating." This precaution is particularly important as airlines may be adjusting their schedules in response to the disruptions.
As the situation evolves, Manchester Airport and other affected airports will continue to provide updates through their official channels. Passengers are urged to be patient as engineers work to rectify the technical issues.
Flight Radar 24 has provided a detailed list of delayed and cancelled flights, highlighting specific routes affected by the disruptions. Notably, flights scheduled for destinations such as the Isle of Man and Amsterdam have already been cancelled, with many others experiencing delays of over 30 minutes.
Recovery from this technical issue is expected to take some time, as airlines work to stabilize their operations. NATS has indicated that flights are still departing and that airspace remains open, but the extent of the disruption means that travelers should prepare for potential delays and cancellations for the remainder of the day.
In the meantime, passengers are advised to stay updated via their airlines’ websites and social media platforms. NATS has committed to providing timely updates as they work to restore normal operations.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, and both NATS and the affected airports are working diligently to resolve the technical issues that have caused widespread disruption across the UK. Passengers traveling today should remain vigilant and flexible as they navigate through the challenges posed by these unexpected delays.
In a final note, NATS apologized for the delays and the inconvenience caused to travelers, emphasizing their dedication to resolving the situation. They stated, "We recognize the disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologize." As updates continue to emerge, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel for all passengers.