ATC problem in Britain (7/12/2013)

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/447322/Airport-chaos-as-passengers-with-Ryanair-BA-easyJet-and-other-airlines-warned-of-delays

THOUSANDS of furious passengers due to fly today with Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and other major airlines are being warned to expect long delays after another major problem with Britain’s air traffic control systems.

The issue is being described as a “technical problem” at the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire.

Airports at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff Luton and London City are all among those that have been affected. There have also been knock-on effects reported at other overseas airports, such as at Dublin.



http://www.ryanair.com/en/notices/gops/131207-ATC_FAILURE_UK-GB

7 Dec - Air Traffic Control Failure - UK
Ryanair has been advised of an equipment failure within UK Air Traffic Control which will cause significant flight delays and possible cancellations.

This message is displayed in the Eurocontrol NOP centre

Due to ATC equipment (Telephone failure) EGTT ACC was unable to change from night configuration as planned.
Technicians are working to try to solve the issue and they are giving an expected time of resolution not before 2000 UTC. Delays are still very high but were reduced significantly when they were able to split the SOUTH sector.

http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-12-07/ryanair-hits-out-over-air-traffic-control-disruption/

“Ryanair is calling on the CAA to intervene and prevent further chaos for thousands of passengers affected by this ATC failure.

While we acknowledge problems can occur, where is the contingency? It's simply not good enough and the CAA needs to act now.

Over 300 Ryanair flights to and from the south of England have been affected, with 12 cancelled so far.