British air traffic control boss told to quit after tech failure left thousands in limbo
Air traffic Controllers look after aircraft flying over England and Wales at NATS in Swanwick
PA
The United Kingdom’s air traffic control boss has been told to quit after a technical glitch left thousands of holidaymakers in limbo.
Chief executive Martin Rolfe apologised to passengers after the problem caused 2,000 flight cancellations.
However, Rolfe’s apology will do little to alleviate concerns from stranded Britons abroad.
Airlines are also voicing concern about the issue as they now face massive losses.
Passengers at Heathrow Airport as disruption from air traffic control issues continues across the UK and Ireland
PA
Former British Airways boss Willie Walsh argued airlines will lose £100million.
He also suggested National Air Traffic Services should receive a fine.
Construction worker Blake Pammenter, 29, who has been stuck in Turkey for ten days, told The Sun: “He needs to go — 100 per cent. This whole thing is a disaster.”
Another social media user added: “Monumental incompetence. He needs to resign.”
Passengers at Heathrow Airport as disruption from air traffic control issues continues across the UK and Ireland
PA
Rolfe said the chaos was triggered when NATS received an “unusual piece of data” it could not process
The issue forced air traffic control to revert to its manual system.
Many airlines responded to the issue quickly, with EasyJet launching repatriation flights.
The budget airline said: “We’re really sorry to hear that these customers’ flights home have been cancelled.
Passengers at Belfast International Airport, as flights to the UK and Ireland have been cancelled as a result of air traffic control issues in the UK
PA
"We’re working round the clock to support our customers.”
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, added: “Travellers should be aware that their airline has a responsibility to re-route them as soon as possible, even if that means buying them a ticket with a rival carrier — a rule some appear to be ignoring.”
Rob Bishton, of the Civil Aviation Authority, reiterated that airlines have a “responsibility”.
He added: “If airlines cannot do this, you can organise your own, then claim costs back.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed the Government is working hard to support passengers.
A departure board at Belfast International Airport, as flights to the UK and Ireland have been cancelled as a result of air traffic control issues in the UK
PA
He said: “I know how frustrating the situation is for families.
“It is important that airlines honour their obligations to passengers with regards to accommodation and flights to bring them back home.
“The Transport Secretary has been extensively engaged with the industry to make sure they do honour their obligations and support passengers.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: “The knock-on effects of Monday’s disruption are likely to continue over the coming days.”
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