The closure of the air traffic control system, which led to the cancellation of thousands of flights throughout the Britain earlier this week, it was caused by a military aircraft that introduced «false» system flight data according to relevant report.
Hundreds of thousands of passengers were affected, as more than 2,000 flights were cancelled on Tuesday, when the system used by the National Air Traffic Control Agency (Nats) ceased operating for four hours.
Britain: First reports on the cause behind the thousands of flight cancellations
According to the Financial Times, four people informed of the incident claimed that the shutdown was caused by a flight plan submitted by a British military aircraft, which caused a collapse in Nats' air traffic control systems, which remained out of service for several hours.
The newspaper also reported that Nats' business manager, Katherine Lihi, contacted the business managers of many airports and airlines, and «the intensity peaked» When Lihi informed them that their flight processing system did not have a special backup system, as Nats was in the middle of «full overhaul of its systems» and because the volume of data it maintains meant that backup would cost «large amounts».
The crisis put pressure on Martin Rolf, Nats' CEO, who was invited to a meeting by Transport Minister Heidi Alexander on Wednesday.
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Alexander, who stated that «doesn't think the issue was inevitable», reportedly gave Rolf a week to report on the causes of the shutdown, while also tasked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
The shutdown is the most severe that has hit British commercial airspace since August 2023, when a technical problem led to a delay of almost 1,600 flights. Nats was severely criticized after that episode, with the CAA making 34 recommendations to improve its systems in order to avoid similar incidents, which, as reported, had been fully implemented.
Rolf ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack, which he had initially suspected, stating that «He believes we've never seen an incident repeat itself, so this will be something different we've never seen in 50 years of operation.».
The Ministry of Defence denies his violation
Many airlines have already requested Rolf's resignation or dismissal due to the shutdown. Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, accused Rolf that «He's lying to save his ass.» and stated that his position is «unfounded».
O’Leary added: «We do not need more research, we do not need more reports and we do not need another hearing of the parliamentary committee, where Martin Rolf will promise changes, promise resilience and promise an effective reserve system».
Delays led aircraft full of passengers to remain immobilized, expecting information for more than four hours, while flights that were to reach Britain were diverted to different airports, with some being forced to land in Germany.
Despite the extensive effects of the shutdown, it was understood that passengers affected were unlikely to be able to claim compensation, as delays were due to «exceptional circumstances».
The defence ministry said there was no violation on the part of the armed forces.
A defence ministry spokesman said: «We do not believe there is any evidence of an error on the part of the armed forces. The subject is the subject of Nats' ongoing investigation, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.».
With information from Guardian and Financial Times
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