More than 1,700 flights were cancelled across UK airports on September 26, 2026, following a major software failure in the NATS air traffic control system. The incident intensified travel disruptions nationwide after the initial system failure occurred on September 8, 2026.
CAA Launches Independent Review into NATS Software Failure
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has opened an independent review to investigate the causes and impacts of the recent NATS disruption. The review will evaluate NATS’ own report on the incident, consumer effects, and whether further actions are required. It will also assess NATS’ plans for renewing and modernising its critical operational systems.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
is overseeing the inquiry, with an initial report due by the end of January 2027 and a final report expected by March 8, 2027.
Airline Disruptions and Calls for NATS Leadership Change
The software failure caused widespread delays and cancellations at UK airports and affected multiple European airlines. Hundreds of thousands of passengers were stranded or experienced disrupted travel plans.
Ryanair has publicly called for the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe following the September 8 failure, citing repeated service issues.
Previous NATS Failures and Regulatory Oversight
This incident marks the second major system failure involving NATS within three years that required regulatory scrutiny. The CAA’s review will also consider how effectively previous recommendations
have been implemented and examine lessons learned from best practices internationally.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “In recent weeks, passengers and airlines have been let down too many times, and I’m determined to get to the bottom of why.” A NATS spokesperson welcomed the CAA’s review and confirmed full cooperation.
Specific details on the airports and airlines affected on September 26 have not been disclosed by authorities.
