Long delays after planes grounded in UK due to ‘network failure’

Travellers have been hit by delays across much of Europe after UK air traffic control was hit by a network-wide failure.

Air passengers across Europe are likely to face travel delays after the UK air traffic control system suffered a network-wide technical fault on one of its busiest days.

A “technical issue” that grounded 500 flights across the UK was said to be fixed by Monday afternoon local time, but experts warned of knock-on disruption as planes and crews were left in the wrong places, according to The Sun.

People wait near check-in desks at Gatwick Airport in Crawley, United Kingdom. Picture: Getty Images

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued advice for Australians caught up in the delays.

“Air traffic control issues are currently affecting flights into and out of the United Kingdom and delays may occur. Australians due to fly to or from the United Kingdom in the coming days should check with their airline for further information,” a spokesperson told News Corp.

Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) issued a statement on Monday morning local time: “We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and the fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Passengers wait at a boarding gate for a British Airways flight bound for London at Budapest International Airport in Hungary after the UK’s air traffic control systems went down. Picture: Getty Images

Earlier Sky News reported that passengers on airlines outside of the UK were told that air traffic control network is down and their flights will be cancelled or delayed.

“We have been advised of an air traffic control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into or out of United Kingdom airspace,” easyJet airline advised.

People wait near check-in desks at Gatwick Airport in Crawley, United Kingdom. Picture: Getty Images

“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 on-board 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. Whilst this disruption is outside of our control we sincerely apologise for the disruption to your travel plans today.”

Passengers walk on a jet bridge after deboarding a British Airways flight headed to London at Budapest International Airport in Hungary after flights were grounded. Picture: Getty Images

Another airline, Loganair, advised on X (formerly Twitter), “There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning.

“Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local co-ordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights maybe subject to delays.

“If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport.”

The Sun reported huge lines already forming at Glasgow Airport with more chaos to occur at UK airports.

The delays come as many holidaymakers are trying to return home on August 28, which is a Summer Bank Holiday.