Leeds-based Jet2 demands action after second air traffic control issue in a fortnight
There's again been disruption at Leeds Bradford Airport after the latest problem with NATS
Leeds-based Jet2 is among airlines demanding action after a second air traffic control issue in less than two weeks caused further flight disruption.
Leeds Bradford Airport is among sites saying they've faced delays after another issue at NATS (National Air Traffic Services) this morning.
The company said the issue was unrelated to a software fault at Nats on September 8, which caused more than 2,000 flights to be cancelled, disrupting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
A NATS spokesperson said today's incident had been caused by an issue at its Prestwick centre in Scotland, which has since been fixed.
Airports in Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester also registered delayed flights and urged passengers to check with their airlines.
Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: “This morning’s disruption comes days after Nats published a report into its latest major failure and it is simply not good enough for this critical national infrastructure to keep letting customers down.
“Customers work hard to look forward to their holidays and airlines work hard to deliver those holidays. They should not be repeatedly exposed to delays and disruption because the UK’s air traffic control systems cannot be relied upon.
“There have been too many incidents, too many reports and too many promises of lessons being learned.
“What customers and airlines need now is action, accountability and proper resilience, and we need it urgently.”
He added: “Make no mistake, we are counting the cost of this disruption and will be sending another bill to Nats.”
A Nats spokesperson said: “The issue in our Prestwick centre is now fixed.
“We are working with airports and airlines to safely lift air traffic regulations as quickly as we can to minimise any further disruption.
“Passengers should still check the status of their flight with their airline. We apologise for the disruption.”