Inquiry into flight chaos

An independent inquiry is to be established to investigate the air traffic control computer failure which caused chaos at UK airports last week.

National Air Traffic Services (Nats) has blamed the incident on a software glitch at its centre in Swanwick, Hampshire.

The inquiry will assess Nats' handling of the episode, and determine whether lessons were learned from previous failures. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin will also be questioned by MPs about the incident.

Heathrow Airport cancelled around 40 flights before normal service was resumed, and there were also serious delays at Gatwick, where departing flights were grounded for a time. These delays then caused knock-on effects at other airports.

Chief executive of Nats, Richard Deakin, said the issue was "one error, or limitation, in four million lines of code. Over the next five years we are spending around £575 million on new systems. We have the funding that we need to deliver the service that we require."

If you have been subject to a flight cancellation you may be entitled to compensation. To start the claims process call our team on 0114 296 5444, or email us at enquiries@pm-law.co.uk and we will get back to you at the first opportunity.

PM Law

Sheffield Flight Cancellation Solicitors