Radar ‘glitch’ hits North England and Scotland flights
16.03.10
Flights in northern England and Scotland were hit after aircraft movements were restricted last night when air traffic control agency NATS suffered a 40-minute radar ‘glitch’. The problem left planes without computerised air traffic control instructions across the north of the UK. The company, which recently switch control of this area from Manchester to a new centre in Prestwick, said all aircraft had been accounted for and in voice contact with air traffic control centres.
Flights into airports within the 'Manchester control area' - which includes the Midlands, northern England and Scotland - were restricted from around 17:50. This restriction was partly lifted at 18:30 and a full service resumed at 20:15. Edinburgh Airport said the problem had resulted in delays, although ‘there were no real problems for passengers’.
A NATS spokeswoman said it was unclear how many flights had been affected by the problems. She said: ‘There was a temporary glitch in the radar data processing system. We knew where the aircraft were and we were in voice communication throughout.’ The spokeswoman added that the number of aircraft coming into the control area had been restricted ‘as a precaution’.
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