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Flights disrupted after computer failure at UK control centre Flights disrupted after computer failure at UK control centre
(35 minutes later)
Passengers are facing widespread flight disruption after a computer failure at the UK's air traffic control centre.Passengers are facing widespread flight disruption after a computer failure at the UK's air traffic control centre.
Nats confirmed a "technical problem" at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire and said airspace remained opened but restricted. Nats said it was in the process of returning to normal operations after a "technical problem" at its Swanwick control centre caused delays and grounded some flights.
It said "every possible action" was being taken to resolve the issue. Problems were reported around the UK.
Heathrow reported delays and Gatwick said all its departing flights had been grounded. Other UK airports reported knock-on effects. They included delays at Heathrow and Gatwick where departing flights were grounded for a time. Other UK airports reported knock-on effects.
They said: Reported problems around the country include:
One source told the BBC the problem was caused by a computer glitch that co-ordinates the flights coming into London and puts the flights in sequence as they come into land or take off.
He described it as a "flight planning tool problem".
Manchester Airport said it was unaffected by the incident and was ready to accept diverted flights.Manchester Airport said it was unaffected by the incident and was ready to accept diverted flights.
Vicky Lane, a passenger on a grounded London to Dublin plane at Gatwick said: "We've been stuck on a Ryanair flight... for over an hour.Vicky Lane, a passenger on a grounded London to Dublin plane at Gatwick said: "We've been stuck on a Ryanair flight... for over an hour.
"The doors are open and we're really cold. I'm not sure when we will be leaving.""The doors are open and we're really cold. I'm not sure when we will be leaving."
Aviation journalist David Learmount said the IT problem would cause "major disruption" but would be resolved by Saturday.
"This impacts not just people within the UK, it impacts flights heading here from anywhere - anything heading this way will be told some of them can't be accepted, and they will have to go back to where they flew from or consider diverting to other countries," he told the BBC.
Have you been affected by the London airspace closure? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by the London airspace closure? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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