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UK transatlantic flights grounded | UK transatlantic flights grounded |
(10 minutes later) | |
All transatlantic flights from the UK are grounded because of an air traffic systems problem in the Shanwick airspace area, says BAA. | All transatlantic flights from the UK are grounded because of an air traffic systems problem in the Shanwick airspace area, says BAA. |
Delays could be as much as three and a half hours, it is thought. | Delays could be as much as three and a half hours, it is thought. |
The problems occurred at Prestwick airport's air traffic control hub in Scotland at 0800BST. | The problems occurred at Prestwick airport's air traffic control hub in Scotland at 0800BST. |
A spokeswoman for NATS, responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said aircraft had been stopped from entering airspace over the north Atlantic. | A spokeswoman for NATS, responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said aircraft had been stopped from entering airspace over the north Atlantic. |
She said: "NATS has reverted to manual systems which means reduced capacity leading to some delay. There is no safety implication." | |
All airborne aircraft arriving in the UK have been safely landed using manual systems, she added. | All airborne aircraft arriving in the UK have been safely landed using manual systems, she added. |
The problem concerns Shanwick Oceanic Control, which is the airspace area for the north east Atlantic. | The problem concerns Shanwick Oceanic Control, which is the airspace area for the north east Atlantic. |
BAA said: "We understand that NATS engineers are currently working to resolve an issue affecting Oceanic airspace. | BAA said: "We understand that NATS engineers are currently working to resolve an issue affecting Oceanic airspace. |
"Passengers travelling to westbound destinations in the US and Canada may experience some delays, we recommend that our customers speak to their airline before arriving at Heathrow." | "Passengers travelling to westbound destinations in the US and Canada may experience some delays, we recommend that our customers speak to their airline before arriving at Heathrow." |
British Airways said not all of its flights were affected. Its statement said: "Air Traffic Control issues are affecting all airlines operating flights out of the UK on transatlantic routes. | British Airways said not all of its flights were affected. Its statement said: "Air Traffic Control issues are affecting all airlines operating flights out of the UK on transatlantic routes. |
"We, like all airlines, are experiencing some minor delays but our flights are still operating." | "We, like all airlines, are experiencing some minor delays but our flights are still operating." |
Are you affected by the problems? Has your flight been grounded? Send us your comments using the form below. | Are you affected by the problems? Has your flight been grounded? Send us your comments using the form below. |
You can also send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here. | You can also send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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