Air traffic control glitch causes Bristol Airport disruption

It follows yesterday's chaos at airports across the UK due to a "technical issue" with the country's air traffic control systems".

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) limited the number of planes flying into and out of airports at lunchtime yesterday, including Bristol due to a "flight planning issue".

Although the problem - which has not been blamed on a cyber attack - was solved by early afternoon yesterday, passengers have been told to expect "ongoing flight disruption" today, advising them to contact their airline before travelling.

A spokesperson for NATS said: "While the NATS technical issue has been resolved, customers can expect ongoing flight disruption today as the airlines work to return to normal the flight operations.

"Customers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information."

Among flights out of Bristol Airport reportedly cancelled today are the easyJet EZY 2939 to Gibraltar at 7.35am; the EZY 2723 flight to Alicante at 10.15am; the 10.35am easyJet flight to Venice; and the 11am easyJet flight to Inverness.

Delayed arrivals are reported to include the 11.35am from Reus Airport, Spain, now due at 2pm; the 3.05pm from Bucharest, delayed until 5.10pm; and the 3.10pm from Kos now expeced at 10.50pm.

A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: "Bristol Airport like other UK Airports has been affected by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) technical issue which is impacting UK airspace.

"Customers are advised to contact their airline to check their flight's latest flight info, and before leaving for the airport.”

In an updated statement, the Bristol Airport spokesperson added: "Whilst the NATS technical issue has been resolved,  customers can expect ongoing flight disruption today as the airlines work to return to normal the flight operations.

"Customers are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information."

It is currently uncertain how long the disruption will last.