Power blackout delays flights

FLIGHTS over northern Europe were delayed yesterday after a power blackout at a regional air-traffic control system.

The problem in the continent’s Eurocontrol radar system halted flights above 7,500 metres (24,606 feet), said Axel Raab, spokesman for German air traffic control.

Frankfurt airport said the problem had now been fixed. A Swedish Air Navigation Services spokesman said air traffic over Western Europe was reduced by 25% for a 15-minute period but capacity later returned to normal.