Technical fault delays flights in Ireland and UK

A technical issue at Swanwick air traffic control centre in southern England is causing delays to some flights at airports in Ireland and in the UK.

Dublin, Stansted, Gatwick and Southampton airports have been affected, with some take-offs being delayed for more than 90 minutes.

UK ATC Update: ATC issues will continue until at least 4pm UK time affecting certain flights. Check flight info here http://t.co/LyxS8ZVXIv

— Ryanair (@Ryanair) December 7, 2013

An Air Traffic Control issue in the UK is causing disruption to our schedule today. Please check flight status at http://t.co/Hanm5athRV

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) December 7, 2013

National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said the issue stemmed from its control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire.

ATC issues in London area causing some flight delays @DublinAirport http://t.co/DGZwmS0iwa

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 7, 2013

A spokesman said: “Due to a technical problem at Swanwick, we are currently experiencing some difficulty switching from night-time to daytime operation. This may result in some delays, for which we apologise.

“Engineers are working to rectify the problem as soon as possible.”

Some delays possible to flights today due to a technical problem. We are working to resolve ASAP >> http://t.co/QUuMcYLYJ3

— NATS (@NATS) December 7, 2013

Heathrow is also among the airports cancelling flights.

Intending passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.

Scotland's two biggest airports have also reported delays.

A spokesman for Luton Airport said it was "experiencing delays across the board''.

A spokesman for Cardiff Airport said all flights this morning had been affected.

Incoming flights from Glasgow, Dublin and Amsterdam are delayed with no estimated time of arrival.