Bloomberg
• Kate Duffy
A failure in NATS’ flight-processing system triggered more than 2,000 cancellations and widespread diversions across the UK, including two Airbus A380s sent to Germany. Although air traffic services have resumed and NATS has ruled out a cyber attack, airline aircraft and crew repositioning is extending disruption.
ATC
Latest source-backed stories
High activity
A failure in NATS’ flight-processing system triggered more than 2,000 cancellations and widespread diversions across the UK, including two Airbus A380s sent to Germany. Although air traffic services have resumed and NATS has ruled out a cyber attack, airline aircraft and crew repositioning is extending disruption.
High activity
A systems failure at UK air traffic control provider NATS caused 1,700 flight cancellations Tuesday and more than 300 the following day, with Heathrow and other airports facing continued delays. The government has given NATS one week to investigate the outage, which stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers.
High activity
A technical failure at the UK’s air traffic control provider NATS halted arrivals at London’s five major airports until at least 10 p.m. Tuesday, while cancellations and delays affected more than 1,000 flights nationwide. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted were among the airports disrupted.
High activity
Two Democratic senators are urging the FAA to distribute the remaining 2.8% of a congressionally approved pay increase for air traffic controllers, accusing the agency of withholding raises. The FAA says additional conditions remain, intensifying a dispute over controller workload and a broader scheduling overhaul.
High activity
Ukraine is urging ICAO to prohibit commercial overflights of Russia, citing deteriorating airspace safety as it plans more drone activity near Russian airports. Airlines are already adjusting operations: Air Tanzania diverted a Moscow flight to St. Petersburg, while Flydubai continues reviewing routes, delays and diversions.
High activity
Several air traffic controllers on duty when two Qantas aircraft nearly collided at Sydney Airport in July had been identified as facing a high risk of fatigue, according to internal records and a call recording obtained by Reuters. One shift manager described the staffing situation as “a bit insane.”
A U.S. Coast Guard jet carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, senior officials and 14 people aboard made an emergency landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after an engine failed during a border patrol mission. No injuries were reported, and Mullin said the single-engine landing went smoothly.
High activity
The FAA is withholding a 2.8% pay increase for air traffic controllers until they meet demands for greater efficiency, adding pressure to a workforce already demoralized by recent government shutdowns. The move comes as the agency negotiates changes to controller scheduling and working practices.
Create a free account to see more recent ATC stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
