Flights across the UK have resumed today, Wednesday, following the major technical failure that brought severe disruption to British airports on Tuesday. However, airlines are warning that the effects are continuing as aircraft and flight crews have been left in the wrong locations following the disruption, creating further cancellations and delays.
The problem originated within the flight-processing system operated by Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS), affecting some of the country's busiest airports.
More than 1,750 flights were cancelled across the UK, according to figures reported today, leaving huge numbers of passengers stranded and forcing airlines into a major recovery operation.
The disruption affected Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and other airports used by thousands of passengers travelling to and from the Canary Islands every day.
Disruption continues today
Although the technical problem itself has now been resolved, passengers are still experiencing the knock-on effects.
Heathrow confirmed that flights are operating today but warned passengers that some disruption could continue while airlines reposition aircraft and crews.
Gatwick, Luton and Stansted have issued similar advice, telling travellers to confirm their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
Hundreds of additional flights were expected to be affected today as airlines attempt to restore their schedules.
The disruption is particularly relevant for passengers travelling between Britain and Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which all have substantial numbers of direct services to UK airports.
Holidaymakers due to return home from the Canary Islands could also be affected even when their aircraft is departing from the islands normally, because the plane or crew scheduled to operate their service may have been displaced by Tuesday's cancellations.
What caused the problems?
NATS says the disruption was caused by an issue affecting its flight-processing system.
The company's chief executive, Martin Rolfe, has apologised to passengers and confirmed that investigators have ruled out a cyberattack.
The failure has nevertheless triggered major criticism from airlines and the British Government.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander summoned Rolfe for an explanation today and said she wanted assurances that lessons would be learned and that the systems supporting Britain's aviation network were capable of doing their job.
Ryanair says approximately 150,000 of its passengers were affected yesterday, with more than 200 of its flights cancelled.
British Airways reported around 100 cancelled or diverted flights, affecting tens of thousands of passengers.
Both Ryanair and Wizz Air have strongly criticised NATS following the failure, with renewed calls for changes at the organisation.
What should Canary Islands passengers do?
Anyone flying between the Canary Islands and the UK today should check their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.
Passengers should not assume their flight has been cancelled simply because disruption is continuing, as many services are operating normally.
Equally, a flight showing as scheduled earlier in the day can subsequently be delayed or cancelled while airlines reorganise aircraft and crews.
Passengers affected by cancellations should contact their airline regarding rebooking, refunds, accommodation and other assistance.
Normal passenger rights to care and assistance can still apply when flights are disrupted, although entitlement to additional financial compensation depends on the precise circumstances surrounding an individual cancellation.
The immediate technical failure has been fixed, but with such a large number of aircraft, passengers and crews affected by the shutdown, disruption could continue while airlines work through the backlog.
Passengers travelling between the Canary Islands and Britain over the next 24 hours are therefore advised to continue monitoring their flight status closely.
