We're not really sure what to do': Airlines rush getting planes in the air from backlogged UK flights due to issues in 'flight processing system' | Fortune

Airlines scrambled Wednesday to clear a backlog of canceled and delayed flights after technical problems at Britain’s air-traffic control system led to the cancellation of more than 1,750 flights. Disruptions continued into a second day, affecting 15 U.K. airports and extending beyond, leaving passengers stranded for hours on runways and in terminals. NATS—formerly National Air Traffic Services—said the cause was “an issue in our flight processing system,” though the original problem had been resolved Tuesday afternoon. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with NATS chief Martin Rolfe and gave him one week for a full investigation. Airlines demanded he consider resigning; the U.K. government holds 49% of NATS.