It is noted that engineers at the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) are actively working to resolve the issue, and are also working with all airlines involved.

"Due to technical issues at NATS Swanwick Air Traffic Control, we are restricting flights in the London control zone to maintain air traffic safety, which is always our top priority," NATS said in a statement.

"Due to technical issues with NATS, all outbound flights from the UK are affected. There are currently no departures from London Gatwick Airport. We are working with NATS to resume flights as soon as possible," Gatwick Airport said in a statement.

The European Air Safety Organisation has announced that the decision has been made to close the London Air Traffic Control Zone (CTA) due to safety concerns. The closure of this zone will affect hundreds of passengers as many aircraft in the air will be diverted to other airports.

"Incoming flights are being serviced, but passengers should check the status of their flights," the airport said.

This is the second time in two years that NATS has experienced major technical issues. The previous time was in the summer of 2023. Since then, a lot of work has been done to minimize the recurrence of such situations.