Computer breakdown delays flights to Britain

Passengers flying to Britain suffered delays of over an hour following a computer breakdown at an air traffic control centre in London.

The problem happened around 6 a.m. at West Drayton, near Heathrow Airport causing flight data, normally produced electronically, to be prepared by hand.

Although the system was fully operational by 7 a.m. the delays caused a knock-on effect to later flights.

The problem affected airlines operating into and over UK airspace and some passengers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports faced waits of up to two hours. The backlog is expected to be cleared as the day goes on.

A spokesperson for Aer Rianta advised passengers to arrive on time as not all flights to Britain are affected.