**Heathrow and Gatwick Among Airports Affected by Air Traffic Control Issues**
*Published: 8 September 2026, 15:33 BST*
Air travel disruptions have been reported at several major UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, due to a technical issue with the air traffic control provider, Nats. The problems began around lunchtime on September 8, causing initial pauses in departures at Heathrow. Although traffic resumed shortly after, further disruptions were noted throughout the afternoon.
Gatwick Airport also confirmed that it was experiencing similar issues, along with other airports across the country. East Midlands Airport reported that operations were impacted, while Manchester Airport warned passengers of potential delays for departing flights.
In response to the situation, Nats issued a statement indicating that they were actively investigating the problem, which they identified as originating from their flight processing system. "Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible," the statement read.
Despite the technical difficulties, Nats reassured the public that flights were still departing and that UK airspace remained open. However, they cautioned that recovery from the disruptions would take some time. The organization also apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers and advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest updates on their flight statuses.
Passengers at affected airports have been encouraged to stay informed through Nats' official website and social media channels for ongoing updates regarding the situation. Edinburgh Airport also noted that the technical issue might impact its operations, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
As the situation develops, airlines and airports are working to mitigate the effects of the disruptions and restore normal flight operations.