Air traffic control radar glitch hits flights
16.03.10
Flights in northern England and Scotland were affected after aircraft movements had to be restricted yesterday evening when air traffic control agency NATS suffered a 40-minute radar ‘glitch’. The issue left planes with no computerised air traffic control directions throughout the north of the UK. The company, which recently switched control of this space from Manchester to a new centre in Prestwick, said all aircraft had been accounted for and had been in voice contact with air traffic management centres at all times.
Flights into airports within the 'Manchester control area' - the Midlands, northern England and Scotland - were restricted from around 17:50. This restriction was partly lifted at 18:30 and a complete service resumed at 20:15. Edinburgh Airport said the problem had resulted in delays, although ‘there have been no real problems for passengers’.
A NATS spokeswoman said it was unclear how many flights were affected by the difficulties. She said: ‘There was a temporary glitch in the radar data processing system. We knew where the aircraft were and we were in voice communication throughout.’ The spokeswoman added that the number of planes coming into the control area had been restricted ‘as a precaution’.
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