Birmingham Airport expecting delays amid nationwide air traffic control problems
The problems have been particularly severe at Heathrow and Gatwick
Passengers at Birmingham Airport are facing delays this afternoon as a technical problem with the UK's air traffic control system causes widespread disruption.
The Telegraph is reporting that "all UK airports are facing major delays" following the issue with National Air Traffic Services (NATS), with disruption being reported across the country.
The problems have been particularly severe at Heathrow and Gatwick, where departing flights have been heavily disrupted, while Manchester and Stansted are among other major airports affected.
A spokesperson from Birmingham Airport said: “There is currently an air traffic technical issue affecting airspace in the south of the UK, which is impacting a number of departing flights.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Those due to travel today should still arrive in line with Airline advice, and contact their airline directly for the latest flight information and updates.”
The problems began on Tuesday afternoon, (September 8), when NATS confirmed it was investigating a technical issue affecting flight departures.
A NATS spokesperson said: "We are investigating a technical issue which is causing some disruption to flight departures.
"Our engineers are on site and we will provide an update as soon as we can.
"We apologise for the delay this will cause to journeys, passengers should check with their airline on the status of their flight."
At Gatwick, departures were grounded as a result of the technical problems, while Heathrow said the issue was affecting departing flights but not arrivals.
The disruption is understood to be linked to problems affecting NATS, which manages Britain's airspace and provides air traffic control services at a number of UK airports.
Even once the technical issue is resolved, passengers could continue to experience delays as airports and airlines work through a backlog of aircraft waiting to depart.
Passengers travelling from Birmingham Airport this afternoon are being advised to check the latest status of their flight with their airline before travelling.