Possible disruption expected for UK travellers after flights grounded across US

Detailed summary

The US Federal Aviation Administration halted all flights across America for several hours on Friday.

British travellers have been warned to brace for possible disruption after flights were grounded across the United States.

The US’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted all flights nationwide for several hours on Friday “due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety” following communications problems at regional air traffic control centres.

British Airways cancelled a flight to New York which had been due to take off from London Heathrow at 10.30pm on Friday.

Responding to customers on X, British Airways apologised for possible delays and cancellations.

It also recommended passengers travel to the airport as planned to arrive for the original departure time, unless informed otherwise.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “Our flights departing the United States may be delayed due to the ongoing air traffic control issue.

“Customers are advised to travel to the airport as planned so we can try to depart our aircraft as quickly as possible.

“This is entirely outside of our control and our teams are working hard to minimise any disruption to our customers.”

A spokesman for Manchester Airport said there is not expected to be any “significant” delays after flights were grounded across the US for several hours on Friday.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Evening Standard. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.