No evidence of malign activity in UK air travel disruption, minister says
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) restored its systems, with capacity returning to normal, late on Wednesday after switching to a back-up system following what it described as a radar-related failure.
The second outage in recent years at NATS, which provides air traffic control services for planes in UK airspace and the eastern part of the North Atlantic, affected Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London, Edinburgh Airport, and other locations.
On Thursday, NATS repeated its apology to those affected, and added that there was no evidence that the incident was cyber-related.
"I know that any disruption is frustrating for passengers. Flights are now resumed ... I will continue to receive regular updates," Alexander wrote on social media platform X, following a meeting with NATS Chief Executive Martin Rolfe over the incident.
Earlier on Thursday, Alexander said NATS was working closely with airlines and airports to clear the backlog.
A total of 122 flights were cancelled as of 1830 GMT on Wednesday, with a further 23 cancelled as of 0730 GMT on Thursday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
At least 16 flights, including departures to Brussels and Toronto and arrivals from New York and Berlin, had been cancelled at Heathrow Airport, according to its website.
The airport, Britain's largest and Europe's busiest, was hit by a fire at a power sub-station in March which stranded thousands of passengers.
Ryanair Chief Operating Officer Neal McMahon called on NATS' Rolfe to resign, saying no lessons had been learnt since the August 2023 disruption caused by a malfunctioning in the automatic processing of flight plans.
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Telegraph
5 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Crime has got so bad in Britain that foreign governments are warning their citizens about visiting
Before Samuel* travelled from Australia to the UK last October, his friends and family warned him about London's reputation for crime. 'I had planned to travel all around Europe,' says the 27-year-old architecture student from Sydney, 'but my parents said, 'once you get to London, you need to be really careful''. Conversations about the soaring robbery and theft rates in London are commonplace for Australian travellers visiting the UK, says Samuel. 'Everyone knows of somebody [in Australia] that's had their phone stolen in London,' he says. 'It's definitely common to hear the warnings in Australia, everyone knows that.' Despite the warnings, Samuel became one of around 80,000 people whose phones were stolen in London last year. Walking up a flight of stairs at Euston station with his mobile in his back pocket, he noticed he had been pick-pocketed when he reached the top. The experience had such an impact on him that he still finds himself checking his pockets in Australia, even though phone theft is 'non-existent' out there. Warnings about London's crime are not just hearsay out in Australia; they are now being issued by the Australian government. The government website Smart Traveller has raised the UK travel advice from a Level 1 to a Level 2 warning, urging Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution' when visiting Britain, adding that 'petty crime is common, including pickpocketing' and alerting readers to thieves who use 'scooters and bicycles to snatch belongings'. Two extra bullet points recommend travellers 'keep money and valuables such as mobile phones out of sight' and 'avoid putting valuables in [their] pockets'. In Australia, there are only four risk levels when it comes to travel warnings: Level 1 indicates that a country is 'similar' to Australia safety-wise, while Level Four is 'do not travel' because 'your health and safety are at extreme risk'. Level 2, issued to the UK, 'may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common,' explains the website, adding that the country 'may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force.' Two fifths of mobile phone thefts in Europe now happen in the UK, according to the insurance company SquareTrade Europe. Its data reveals that phone theft claims in the UK have increased by 425 per cent since June 2021. One mobile phone is stolen every six minutes across the capital, according to the Metropolitan Police. Meanwhile, violent crime has gone up by 30 per cent during Sir Sadiq Khan's nine-year tenure as Mayor of London. In March, the Conservatives accused him of overseeing a 'woefully inadequate' response to the problem of phone theft after dedicating only two sentences to the increase in his policing strategy for the capital. In early July this year, the Home Office wrote on X that there had been a 44 per cent rise in street crime across the UK, record levels of shop theft and a million incidents of anti-social behaviour. There's been a 44% rise in street crime, record levels of shop theft and a million incidents of anti-social behaviour. We refuse to accept this for our towns. This summer, police forces are increasing targeted patrols to protect businesses from harm and increase public safety. — Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) July 4, 2025 Australia is not the only country warning its citizens to take precautions when visiting the UK. Research by The Telegraph has uncovered a slew of foreign countries that have either put out fresh warnings about the rising levels of crime in the UK in recent years, or updated the 'crime' sections of their websites with additional warnings. The countries include France, Canada, New Zealand, the UAE and, most surprisingly, Mexico. In a 'travel advice' section on the Mexican embassy website, it warns that 'in London, crime has increased, especially in crowded areas, on the streets, and on public transportation.' It lists 16 bullet points with practical advice on how to avoid petty crime on the street, in the hotel, and when travelling in a vehicle. 'Avoid displaying jewellery, cameras, cell phones, or other valuables,' the website advises. The UAE embassy website also warns travellers of a 'recent increase in violence and knife crime' in London, 'including a number of attacks on citizens of Arab Gulf states'. It says: 'We advise our citizens to take special care, especially at night, and avoid wearing valuable items that attract attention in public places'. Twelve bullet points follow, with advice 'to make your visit to London safer'. They include making sure to check that the hotel door has a functional lock and a dead bolt. Like Australia, the Canadian government has increased its warnings about crime in London. In 2017, the Canadian website increased the risk level of the UK from the first level ('exercise normal safety precautions') to the second level ('you should exercise a high degree of caution '). Canada only has four risk levels, the fourth being 'avoid all travel'. Though the update seems to have been made following the Westminster terror attack in 2017, the volume of advice about 'crime' in London has grown startlingly on the website over a decade. Web archives show that in 2012, the Canadian government published one line warning of 'petty crime' including 'pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging'. By 2017, the section on crime had grown to three paragraphs, and included a new warning of 'violent crime such as mugging and sexual assault'. In 2019, the government was listing areas in which to be most vigilant, including 'pubs and bars', and had published a line that 'cellphone theft is rampant in tourist areas'. Now, in 2025, there are three lengthy sections on 'petty crime', 'violent crime' and 'spiked food and drinks' with detailed bullet points advising Canadians to 'avoid showing signs of affluence'. And it's not just foreign governments issuing warnings: back in the UK, London hotels are now also warning travellers of the high rates of petty crime. 'We always mention to be wary of phone snatching; there's a lot of phone snatching in Piccadilly Circus', says a concierge, who did not want to be named, at a luxury five-star hotel in central London. 'Also, when they are wearing jewellery, we mention that they should be careful.' Unsuspecting guests falling victim to phone snatching has 'happened a few times,' they say, 'but there's not much we can do. It happened once with an external member of the public, it was over a year ago: it can be guests, or people from outside. It's most likely phones.' It's lunchtime in central Victoria. 'Hop-on hop-off' buses are embarking on their tours of London, filled with huge groups of tourists. One bus steward is shepherding a queue of eager foreign visitors into a brightly coloured, open-top coach. He says that in the last year, he has been witness to six or seven 'live' phone snatches alone. 'Most of the time they come on electric bicycles, they snatch from the footpaths and they go away: they're really fast,' he says. Now he worries that it could detrimentally affect the tourist industry he is part of. 'It could impact tourists because tourists are afraid of where the crime is… it could impact the business', he admits. 'People are still afraid. Previously I heard that London was the safest place, but crimes are going up now'. Is he concerned for the future of his job? 'Yes, there is a concern,' he admits, before suggesting that 'we should tighten immigration laws' and that 'people should be punished when they commit the crime.' Online, social media is awash with warnings for those visiting the UK. 'So I moved to London this week, and I am so anxious walking on the streets,' says Australian social media user Alicia English while filming herself in a TikTok post. 'Apparently everyone's phones get stolen off them, people drive past on bikes and just snatch them out of your hands… that is making me anxious because I really can't afford a new phone right now.' Her video has nearly 200 comments. 'I saw someone have a phone snatched out [of] their hands on Oxford Street last week,' says one respondent. In May 2024, Calina Chehade, a 24-year-old video editor, saw a string of warnings about crime in London on TikTok before her trip to the city. Chehade, who lives in Lebanon, was travelling to the UK for an Olivia Rodrigo concert. 'Phone snatching is especially talked about and famous in London,' she tells The Telegraph. 'My mum sent me a TikTok of someone with a black eye because someone stole their phone. It definitely got on my nerves.' Before she travelled to London, family members who had visited before gave her tips to prevent her phone being stolen. 'I remember my cousin telling me 'wear a big coat and put your wallet inside your coat, and close it well and hold on to your belongings,' she says, before reciting, as if by heart: 'Always walk with confidence. Don't let them know you're a tourist.' Though Chehade did not have her phone snatched, she views herself as one of the lucky ones. 'It was fine, luckily,' she reflects of her visit. 'But there is luck involved, it's not just me being prepared. Thank God, nothing happened.' Then she confides, almost in amazement, and perhaps with a slight tinge of disappointment: 'I didn't even witness a phone snatch while there.'
BBC News
5 minutes ago
- BBC News
The Greatest Gathering festival organiser hails 'resounding success'
Historic and high-speed modern trains have been leaving Derby after a major festival for enthusiasts of rail travel over the than 140 locomotives and railway vehicles were on display as part of The Greatest Gathering, including famous vehicles such as the Flying three-day event was held as part of Railway 200, a year-long commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger railway more than 40,000 people - including some from as far as New Zealand - steamed into Derby for the festivities, organiser Ben Goodwin said: "I think it's safe to say it's been a resounding success." Billed as "the world's largest-ever collection of historic and modern rolling stock", The Greatest Gathering took place at train manufacturer Alstom's Litchurch Lane Works, the first time it opened its doors to the public in nearly 50 Goodwin said he had been overwhelmed "by reams and reams of just beautiful, wonderful comments"."I've never seen anything like it - the positivity and the love has just been phenomenal," he said."I'm just proud of everyone who's involved."Despite the success of this year's event, Mr Goodwin said it will be some time before an event of a similar magnitude is explained that Alstom was "back to building trains", adding the firm is "simply going to be too busy in the factory" to take on the responsibility of a repeat event."It was a labour of love, but it was very, very difficult - a very small team of us worked on it," he said."I think it was a unique moment in time, something that we're all incredibly proud of."Here in Derby, we hosted the world's largest-ever gathering of modern and historic rolling stock - what an achievement."For me, I don't think my career will ever be topped by this, I'm just blessed to be able to be part of the team that organised this."
The Independent
35 minutes ago
- The Independent
Storm Floris live: Rail disruption likely to continue for another day after 90mph winds hit UK
Rail disruption is set to continue into Tuesday after Storm Floris battered the UK with 90mph winds on Monday, causing trains cancellations and mass power cuts. Trains, flights, and ferries were cancelled on Monday amid danger to life warnings from the Met Office. Network Rail warned that travel disruption will continue into Tuesday following 'severe' impacts on Scotland 's railways - with ScotRail saying there has been 'extensive damage' on its routes. Amber and yellow wind warnings across much of Scotland, northern England, northern Ireland and northern Wales were due to be lifted by 12am, when a yellow wind warning will come into force in Orkney until 8am. On Monday, more than 43,000 properties were left without electricity in the Highlands and north-east of Scotland this afternoon, operators said. Network Rail Scotland has posted maps showing wind speeds in excess of 90mph, while the Met Office has recorded highs of 82mph. Events such as the Edinburgh Fringe are monitoring the situation, but a military parade has been cancelled. An Oasis concert in the Scottish capital is still scheduled to go ahead. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024/25 season. Storm damage is 'extensive', says ScotRail Damage by Storm Floris on railways in Scotland is 'extensive', ScotRail has said. Work will soon begin to recover a number of routes which have been put out of action. 'The damage caused by the storm has been extensive, including trees falling onto overhead wires and tracks,' ScotRail said on X. 'Network Rail will soon begin work to recover the railway, as a number of routes will need to be inspected once the storm has passed and then repair work carried out. 'While some checks will be carried out later tonight, further inspections will be needed during daylight hours, which will cause disruption to services on some routes on Tuesday morning.' Alex Croft5 August 2025 05:01 EasyJet 900-mile 'flight to nowhere' as pilots abandon landing at Inverness Our travel correspondent Simon Calder has reported that a pilot was forced to abandon a landing in Scotland. An easyJet flight from Luton to Inverness flew 900 miles on an 'flight to nowhere'. Flight 632 took off from the Bedfordshire airport just before 12 noon and flew normally at 36,000 feet to the Scottish airport. But at just 2,000 feet above the ground, the pilots of the Airbus A319 decided to abandon the landing, and flew back to Luton. After a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes in the air, the plane touched down back at its starting place. Passengers were told: 'Strong winds in Inverness are preventing aircraft from arriving and departing. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority and we thank you for your understanding.' Under air passengers' rights rules, travellers must be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline. The aviation data analyst, Cirium, has confirmed research by The Independent that Belfast City and Aberdeen are the airports worst affected by Storm Floris. At Belfast City, 10 departures and 11 arrivals have been grounded. At Aberdeen, 12 departures have been cancelled – but only six arrivals are axed. Alex Croft5 August 2025 04:01 In pictures: Heavy winds wreak havoc in Edinburgh Alex Croft5 August 2025 03:02 Campervans have been blown over on A87 road on Isle of Skye A number of campervans earlier blew over on the A87 road, which leads to Portree on the Isle of Skye, as Storm Floris hit Scotland. Police are advising drivers to stay away from the Bealach na Ba road in Wester Ross due to the high rinds. Police Scotland said: 'We have received multiple reports of campervans being blown over on the A87 between Broadford and Portree due to high winds caused by Storm Floris. 'We are advising motorists not to travel on the Bealach na Ba road and anyone with campervans should remain parked in sheltered areas until the wind speed reduces.' Alex Croft5 August 2025 01:29 Travellers face 'nine cancellations' Passengers stuck at Glasgow Central train station are facing hours of disruption and as many as nine cancellations, they told the PA news agency. Robert Kusz, 70, and Paul Audoire, 59, had enjoyed a caravan holiday with relatives when they were delayed at Glasgow Central. Their previous plan was to travel to Preston and change to Blackpool. Mr Kusz told the PA news agency: 'There has been about nine cancellations. 'If we can get connecting trains we could get to Blackpool by 4.30pm. 'It will add a couple of hours to the journey, maybe two-and-a-half hours.' Mr Audoire said: 'The weather is not as bad as we thought, they are just taking precautions. 'We need to get off at Carlisle, wait for another train, get off at Preston and change trains again. 'I don't know how long we need to wait at Carlisle or at Preston. It's just a case of leapfrogging all the way.' Alex Croft5 August 2025 00:01 Mapped: Rain largely clears from UK on Tuesday as Storm Floris moves east Alex Croft4 August 2025 23:14 Met Office records top wind speed of 82mph Alex Croft4 August 2025 22:27 More than 43,000 homes without power in Scotland More than 43,000 homes in Scotland were out of supply as of earlier this evening, according to the lates update from Scottish & Southern Electricity Network (SSEN). At around 7pm, 9,000 homes had been reconnected. Alex Croft4 August 2025 22:17 Students will see exam results delayed due to storm There will be delays to the delivery of some exam results in island communities as a result of Storm Floris, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has said. With results due on Tuesday, the SQA said deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather. The SQA said students should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them. Alex Croft4 August 2025 22:06 Mapped: Yellow wind warning to come into force on Tuesday The only remaining weather warning due to Storm Floris is a yellow wind warning in Orkney, which will be in place from 12am to 8am on Tuesday. 'Very strong northwesterly winds, including gusts of 50 to 70 mph, in the wake of Storm Floris will ease across Orkney early on Tuesday and then slowly wane a little over Shetland during Tuesday morning,' the Met Office said. It warns of potential travel delays and power losses in the affected region.
