Technical fault at UK air traffic control disrupts flights at Bristol Airport

A technical fault at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) led to extensive flight disruptions at Bristol Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe said the problem took longer to resolve than expected and promised a full investigation. The airport reported that most flights have now returned to normal, with a limited number still delayed or cancelled.

Passengers described long waits and cancellations. One traveler, Liam Graham, said he and his girlfriend were kept on an easyJet aircraft bound for Bodrum for seven hours before being asked to disembark. EasyJet said the situation was beyond its control and offered rebooking, refunds and, where possible, hotel accommodation.

Another passenger, Angela Bolitho, reported that a cancelled return flight from Edinburgh left her and her son to spend the night in the airport terminal after hotels were fully booked. They were later rebooked for a flight the following afternoon.

Airlines and the airport said they were working to minimise inconvenience, providing options for affected customers and coordinating with the airport to improve comfort for those stranded in terminals. NATS acknowledged responsibility for the disruption and indicated that corrective measures are under review.