HEATHROW AIRPORT SAID there is likely to be knock-on effects on flights this morning after yesterday’s compute failure caused widespread disruption.
In a statement on their website, the airport said:
Due to a technical issue with air traffic control on Friday, there may be some knock-on effects to flights on Saturday as aircraft and crew will be out of position. If you are flying this weekend, please check your flight status before travelling to the airport.
It is reported that some 38 flights at Heathrow Airport have been cancelled this morning. However, there are no reports to delays to Irish flights to and from Heathrow today.
Yesterday, a computer failure at an air traffic control centre resulted in some departures being blocked and arrivals diverted before Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said the system had been restored and services returned to normal.
The congested airspace over the British capital was closed during the 35-minute shutdown, with officials stating that delays would spill over into today.
The British government has demanded an investigation into the computer failure.
British officials seethed over the system meltdown ahead of the run-up to the holiday season, when travel demand is particularly high.
“Disruption on this scale is simply unacceptable and I have asked NATS for a full explanation of this evening’s incident,” Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said.
Heathrow alone handles about 1,200 to 1,400 flights a day.
Additional reporting Associated Press
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