Airlines reacted furiously after a technical problem in air traffic control systems led to more than 150 flight cancellations.
The National Air Traffic Service (NATS) apologized for computer problems – and said the systems were running 20 minutes after the “radar problem” was detected at 4:05 pm.
But with thousands of passengers suffering from in -depth travel disturbances during one of the busiest periods of the year, airline leaders warned that it was not good enough.
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Departments resume after the ATC problem
Ryanair’s chief of the exploitation, Neal McMahon, called for the resignation of the CEO of Nats, Martin Rolfe – and said that Wednesday’s incident was “completely unacceptable”.
He said: “It is scandalous that passengers were again affected by delays and disturbances due to the continuous management of Martin Rolfe des Nats.
“It is clear that no lesson has been learned since the failure of the Nats system of August 2023, and the passengers continue to suffer following the incompetence of Martin Rolfe.”
Mr. McMahon referred to a problem which affected more than 700,000 passengers two years ago – and said that, if Mr. Rolfe refuses to resign, the government should intervene.
“Heidi Alexander must act without delay to eliminate Martin Rolfe and deliver an urgent reform of the ATC Shambolic service of Nats, so that airlines and passengers are no longer obliged to support these avoidable delays caused by persistent failures of Nats,” he added.
The Ministry of Transport says that Ms. Alexander has no direct control over NAT – and no power on personnel decisions in the service.
Find out more: The delayed or canceled flight? These are your rights
Martin Rolfe in 2023. Pic: pa
Easyjet’s chief of the operation, David Morgan, added: “It is extremely disappointing to see ATC failure again causing a disruption to our customers during this busy and important travel period for travel.
“Although our priority is today to support our customers, we want to understand from Nats what measures they take to guarantee that the problems do not continue.”
Nats has not yet commented on the calls for the resignation of Mr. Rolfe – but stressed that the problem is not considered “linked cyber”.
“This was a radar-related problem that was resolved by quickly going to the backup system during which we reduced traffic to ensure security,” said a spokesperson.
Departures at airports across the country have now resumed – but passengers are invited to check with their airline before heading to the terminals.
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Travel expert: it’s a major breakdown
John Carr, from Stourbridge, was on the way from Heathrow to Norway to help organize his brother’s wedding when he discovered that his flight had been canceled after the recording.
“I’m quite empty,” he said. “We have a lot in the suitcases to install the place, because we are obviously flying in Norway. We have the wedding rehearsal to do. It’s quite stressful.”
Liberal Democratic leader Sir Ed Davey called for an urgent investigation and also referred to the “totally unacceptable” disturbance two years earlier.
“With thousands of families who are preparing to take a well -deserved break, it is simply not good enough. The public deserves to have fully confidence in a piece of national infrastructure as vital.”
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander should meet the CEO of Nats, Martin Rolfe, after today, after the breakdown.
The flights leaving or arriving at a British airport, or aircraft operated by a British airline arriving in the EU, are subject to rules concerning delays or cancellations.
Airlines may have to provide compensation, although there are exemptions for “extraordinary circumstances”, according to the United Kingdom Authority Aviation.