More than 2,000 flights were cancelled to and from UK airports over September 8 and 9, 2026, following a technical failure in the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) air traffic control system.
Airlines and Airports Most Affected
On September 8 alone, over 1,750 flights were cancelled, with more than 150 cancellations continuing on September 9, according to flight tracking data from Cirium. Ryanair reported about 150,000 passengers affected by the disruptions. British Airways cancelled or diverted approximately 100 flights during this period. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports were among the major UK airports hit by the cancellations, with significant disruption to European connections.
Ongoing Disruptions and Traveler Advisories
Passengers with
flights through Heathrow or Gatwick are advised to confirm their status with airlines before travelling. The technical glitch displaced aircraft and crews across Europe, causing knock-on effects extending beyond the initial cancellation dates. Travel advisors noted particular attention is needed for European onward connections due to ongoing operational disruptions.
Scale and Operational Impact
The scale of cancellations was significantly larger than initial estimates. The disruption spread beyond the UK, with displaced aircraft and crews affecting flight schedules across Europe. Airlines and airports continue to manage the operational challenges rooted in the NATS system failure that affected air traffic control services throughout the UK.
