Flight cancellations to and from UK airports have exceeded 1,300 as a system issue at air traffic control provider Nats continues to cause disruption for a second day. The Nats chief executive, Martin Rolfe, has been summoned by the UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander.
The technical issue, which began around 1pm on Tuesday, affected departing flights at airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted. The disruption later spread to include incoming flights to much of southern England.
By 6am on Wednesday, Heathrow Airport had 246 cancelled flights, while Gatwick passengers faced 33 cancellations. Nats stated on Tuesday evening that the recovery from the issue is complex and will take time for the aviation network to overcome.
Mr Rolfe is due to speak to Heidi Alexander before she addresses MPs in the Commons for the second reading of the Civil Aviation Bill.