UAE airlines issue advisory for passengers after UK air traffic system failure

UAE airlines issue advisory for passengers after UK air traffic system failure

Currently, two UAE carriers Etihad Airways and Dubai-based Emirates operate direct flights to the UK, one of the busiest routes from the UAE

Published: Mon 28 Aug 2023, 5:50 PM Last updated: Mon 28 Aug 2023, 6:08 PM

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on Monday said all of its flights to the UK are planned to operate as scheduled but there might be delays due to Britain's air traffic control system hit by a breakdown that slowed take-offs and landings.

“Etihad Airways is advising passengers travelling to and from London and Manchester that there may be flight delays due to the ongoing Flight Data Processing System failure affecting all airlines operating in the UK. All flights are currently planned to operate as scheduled, however, we are working closely with airport authorities and will inform guests immediately if there is any change,” the UAE national carrier said in a statement to Khaleej Times on Monday.

Britain’s flight control operator National Air Traffic Services’ (NATS) system was experiencing a “technical issue” that delayed flights to and from the European country. However, it was not clear how much time it would take to fix the technical glitch. But European air traffic authority Eurocontrol warned of “very high”