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Computer malfunction delays flights throughout UK

by Jeffrey White on Sep 25th 2008 at 3:30PM

Here's an arresting fact: When Heathrow airport in London is operating at full capacity, a plane takes off every 90 seconds. Today, departures are coming every two minutes.

While that might not seem like much of a change, it is the result of a serious computer glitch at the UK's central air traffic control system, which is sending delays rippling through most of Britain's airports.

The hardest hit so far has been London's Luton airport, where departures are on halt and arrivals are being delayed. So far, the BBC is reporting that the airport has had to cancel seven flights.

Other airports affected by the computer glitch are Cardiff, Bristol, Southampton, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

What exactly is wrong? It's hard to say, though the BBC is reporting that it has something to do with the malfunction of computers that deal with planes that are at higher altitudes.

Authorities say they hope to have the computer problem fixed by tonight.

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