Air traffic control international flights chaos: Northern Ireland airports not clear on when disruption will end

There appears to be a lack of clarity about how many flights have been cancelled at Northern Ireland airports or when things will return to normal, as part of the current international air travel chaos.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 29th Aug 2023, 16:07 BST
Updated 29th Aug 2023, 17:09 BST
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Asked to give some comment on the issues, Belfast City Airport told the News Letter that Flights were operating today and that arrivals and departures can be found on the Belfast City Airport website. There is "still some disruption to flights across the UK” it added.

City of Derry Airport said that flights to and from it were operating as normal today.

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Belfast International Airport said there had been “further stabilisation" today of airline schedules as airports and airlines return to normal.

Passengers at Heathrow Airport endure disruption from air traffic control issues continues across the UK and Ireland. Travel disruption could last for days after flights were cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded during a technical fault in the UK's air traffic control (ATC) system. Photo: Lucy North/PA WirePassengers at Heathrow Airport endure disruption from air traffic control issues continues across the UK and Ireland. Travel disruption could last for days after flights were cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded during a technical fault in the UK's air traffic control (ATC) system. Photo: Lucy North/PA Wire
Passengers at Heathrow Airport endure disruption from air traffic control issues continues across the UK and Ireland. Travel disruption could last for days after flights were cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded during a technical fault in the UK's air traffic control (ATC) system. Photo: Lucy North/PA Wire

It added that the terminal has been “incredibly busy” and that delays and cancellations “are still likely”.

All three airports advised travellers to check for latest information on their flights on their respective websites.

Northern Ireland travellers have been caught up in the chaos in many corners of the globe.

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Peter Martin was due to fly at 3pm on Monday from Manchester to Belfast International Airport with his wife and cousin. He said that communication regarding his flight has not been good.

"We were moved to four different gates [at Manchester Airport] before we were told we were wrong. There was absolutely no information - it was absolutely rubbish," he told the BBC.His family are under pressure because his wife and cousin have medical needs and are running out of medication.

Sharon Daly and Ian Reilly were due to fly to Tenerife from Belfast International Airport on Monday but said their holiday could be delayed by up to three days.

"We waited and waited - everybody was arguing. The Jet2 people hadn't a clue what to do or say - kids crying, people getting upset," said Sharon.

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Wesley and Stacey Baird from Ballyclare were due home from their honeymoon in Crete on Monday but their flight was cancelled and they remain on the Greek island: "There was very little communication because they [airport staff] didn't know what was happening themselves - we were told to wait in a queue outside [the airport] in thirty degree heat, no water, no nothing". They are not sure when they will get home.

Related topics:Northern IrelandBelfast City AirportManchester AirportManchesterJet2