‘Technical meltdown’ in UK air traffic control felt in Malta as flights delayed, cancelled

A network-wide failure in the United Kingdom’s air traffic control yesterday caused flights disruptions across the country and beyond, with impacts also felt in Malta.

The “technical meltdown” affected the ability of the country’s national air traffic services (Nats) to automatically process flight plans, with controllers forced to process them manually.

The slower pace of processing meant that traffic flows needed to be restricted.

Passengers were notified of delays sometimes lasting over 12 hours, while other flights were cancelled, including some to and from Malta.

“Delays were experienced across all departing and arriving flights yesterday, with several flights being heavily delayed, since the issue in the United Kingdom had a widespread effect,” said a representative for Malta International Airport (MIA) when contacted by BusinessNow.mt.

“Some other departing and arriving flights have been cancelled.”

The issue has since been identified and fixed, but flights continue to be affected.

“There are a couple of delays extending from yesterday, together with a couple of cancellations,” said the MIA rep.

The airport advised passengers who have an upcoming flight to contact their airline should they need information on the status of their flight.

Live flight updates are also available here.