Technical issues are causing disruptions to flight departures in the UK this afternoon, according to air traffic control services.

A statement issued by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.

“We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

“Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.”

NATS also said it doesn’t currently know the specific extent of the disruption or how many flights have been impacted.

Air traffic is expected to return to normal at 9pm UK time, according to , which cites Eurocontrol.

Which airports are affected?

Heathrow, Manchester, East Midlands, Edinburgh and Belfast are some of the airports that have warned of possible disruption due to the issue.

Heathrow Airport said that its arriving flights are not currently impacted by the disruptions.

“We are supporting our local NATS team in their efforts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” Heathrow posted on its social media page.

“We will provide updated information when we have it.

“We apologise to those disrupted and advise passengers to check with their airline for latest flight information.”

A spokesperson from Manchester Airport said the disruptions started around 13.15 pm, and that they have affected southern airports more.

As a result, the disruptions are having a knock-on effect, now affecting all others, with delays all round the country, they said.

They added that planes are still taking off in Manchester, but delays will be ongoing today.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

: “If your flight has been delayed or cancelled as a result of the NATS technical problems, you should seek contact with your airline in the first instance, in person, by email, phone or checking social media channels.

“If you are delayed on a flight to or from the UK or EU on any airline, or arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, you have the right to be re-routed to your destination at the earliest opportunity.

“This could be with a different airline to the one you are booked with, if necessary. The airline also has a duty of care while you are delayed for two-four hours or more, depending on your destination (food and drink, or vouchers to purchase them with), which extends to overnight accommodation if your flight departs the following day. If the delay is more than five hours you have the right to cancel.

“If your flight is cancelled, you can choose a refund, or an alternative flight. Compensation is unlikely, since the cause of the disruption is outside airlines’ control.”

This is a breaking story and will be updated…