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Version 8 | Version 9 |
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Air traffic control problem fixed | Air traffic control problem fixed |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Air traffic control systems are back up and running after an earlier computer breakdown at Prestwick grounded transatlantic flights from UK airports. | Air traffic control systems are back up and running after an earlier computer breakdown at Prestwick grounded transatlantic flights from UK airports. |
Some travellers may still experience delays due to the problem at Prestwick's air traffic control hub. | Some travellers may still experience delays due to the problem at Prestwick's air traffic control hub. |
A spokeswoman for NATS, responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said engineers had resolved the problem. | A spokeswoman for NATS, responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said engineers had resolved the problem. |
Airports are now working to clear a backlog of flights which had been unable to leave due to the fault. | Airports are now working to clear a backlog of flights which had been unable to leave due to the fault. |
BBC transport correspondent Richard Scott said the computer had gone "zero rated" which meant it could not process any routings and everything had to be done manually. | BBC transport correspondent Richard Scott said the computer had gone "zero rated" which meant it could not process any routings and everything had to be done manually. |
'Some delays' | 'Some delays' |
The problem concerned Shanwick Oceanic Control, which is the airspace area for the north east Atlantic 250 miles west of Ireland. | The problem concerned Shanwick Oceanic Control, which is the airspace area for the north east Atlantic 250 miles west of Ireland. |
BAA, the company which owns seven major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, said they were working to get delayed passengers on their way. | BAA, the company which owns seven major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, said they were working to get delayed passengers on their way. |
"There are some delays still but it is getting back to normal," a spokeswoman said. | "There are some delays still but it is getting back to normal," a spokeswoman said. |
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." |
One passenger waiting on an American Airlines plane at Heathrow, Sam Mosley, said the airline had put them on the aircraft but said there could be a considerable delay. | |
"They said they would get us on the plane and see how it goes. Everyone's pretty stoic, we're just passengers waiting to get away," he said. | "They said they would get us on the plane and see how it goes. Everyone's pretty stoic, we're just passengers waiting to get away," he said. |
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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