HALF of all flights in Europe could face delays due to a computer failure, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) have announced.
The continent-wide system which plots where and when planes can fly, land and take off failed a few hours ago.
In a statement the company said: “Today 29,500 flights were expected in the European network. Approximately half of those could have some delay as a result of the system outage.”
There has been a failure of the Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System. Contingency procedures are being put in place which will have the effect of reducing the capacity of the European network by approximately 10%. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.
— EUROCONTROL (@eurocontrol) April 3, 2018
As seen in a later tweet, all airlines will now have to refile any flights that have not yet taken off.
The issue with the ETFMS has been identified and work is progressing to recover the system, which is expected to occur late this evening. Aircraft operators are requested to refile any flight plans for flights not yet operated and that were originally filed before 10.26UTC
— EUROCONTROL (@eurocontrol) April 3, 2018
Airlines, including low-cost carrier Ryanair, are urging customers to check online beforehand.
Due to a Eurocontrol ATC failure, affecting all airlines across Europe, some flights are currently experiencing delays. Further delays are likely and customers can monitor the latest flight information on the https://t.co/cgLkPq5oJZ website.
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) April 3, 2018
This is a breaking story and will be updated as soon as we get information.
