'Completely unacceptable' - National Air Traffic Services (Nats) find that a software defect in the National Airspace System caused thousand of flight cancellations
Investigation finds software defect to blame
An investigation in to what caused thousands of flights to be cancelled at the start of the month has found a software defect at blame.
There was major disruption across airports in the UK on September 8 with flights cancelled with what was cited by air traffic control as a “technical issue”. It led to thousands of travellers being grounded at airports including Southampton, Heathrow and Gatwick.
It has now been revealed that the issue at National Air Traffic Services (Nats) was the result of a software defect in the National Airspace System which allocates codes to individual aircraft, the provider said.
In response the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, called the disruption “completely unacceptable”.
The MP for Swindon South said: “The disruption we saw last week was completely unacceptable and I know how frustrating it was for passengers, airlines and airports.
“I have now received NATS' report and, while I am pleased to see that the safety of passengers was protected, it’s clear we need to urgently understand why this issue was not discovered and fixed before it caused chaos. I have therefore tasked the CAA with conducting an independent review to check NATS’ findings and investigate their investment plans to enhance resilience in the future, along with regulatory accountability.
“It is crucial that our national infrastructure is fit for the future, and this government will make sure the aviation sector is as resilient as possible, so passengers can get to where they need to be.”