Air traffic in the London control area is facing delays following a technical issue at NATS Swanwick, the UK’s air traffic control centre. The problem, confirmed in a statement issued at 16:05 UK time on July 30, has led to a restriction on the number of aircraft permitted to fly in the region.

NATS (National Air Traffic Services) said the decision was made to “ensure safety,” which it described as its “first priority.” The disruption is impacting aircraft movements within the London area, a major airspace hub handling some of the busiest passenger and cargo routes in Europe.

Engineers are currently working to resolve the issue, though no estimated timeline for a return to normal operations has been given.

“We apologise for any delays this may cause. Our engineers are working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and we are working closely with airlines to help minimise disruption,” NATS stated in a follow-up message.

“At this stage we cannot say how long it will be before operations are back to normal. Please check with your airline on the status of your flight.”

The incident comes during peak summer travel and is likely to cause ripple effects across inbound and outbound schedules. Cargo operators with tight transfer windows through Heathrow, Gatwick, and other London airports are advised to monitor updates closely.

Airlines and freight forwarders are expected to adjust schedules dynamically in response to flow restrictions, with some delays already reported on major European routes.