NATS technical fault causes widespread UK flight delays

A technical failure at the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) Prestwick Centre in Scotland caused widespread flight delays across the United Kingdom on Monday, September 21, 2026. The issue, which affected airspace over northern and central England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, prompted airlines to cancel flights and warn passengers of significant disruptions. NATS confirmed it was investigating a technical issue at its Prestwick Centre, which manages air traffic across a vast area including the North Atlantic. To maintain safety, air traffic regulations were applied to manage traffic demand, leading to restrictions. The company stated the problem was unrelated to a major software defect that caused a meltdown less than two weeks earlier, on September 8. The disruption was felt at numerous airports. Manchester Airport reported over 130 delayed flights, while Glasgow and Edinburgh airports experienced significant delays and some cancellations. Airports in Northern Ireland, including Belfast International and Belfast City, also faced disruptions. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited said flights were impacted across all its airports, including Dundee, Inverness, and Islay.