BBC reports all UK trans-Atlantic flights grounded

[NewbieRunner]

BBC is reporting all UK trans-Atlantic flights have been grounded due to an air traffic systems problem in the Shanwick airspace area.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8288313.stm

All transatlantic flights from the UK are grounded because of an air traffic systems problem in the Shanwick airspace area, says BAA.

Delays could be as much as three and a half hours, it is thought.

The problems occurred at Prestwick airport's air traffic control hub in Scotland at 0800BST.

A spokeswoman for NATS, responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said aircraft had been stopped from entering airspace over the north Atlantic.

All airborne aircraft arriving in the UK have been safely landed using manual systems, she added.

The problem concerns Shanwick Oceanic Control, which is the airspace area for the north east Atlantic.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling.

The problem was originally reported as at Shannon but this was later corrected.