Revamping Britain's Skies: A Call for Overhaul After IT Meltdown

The UK's aviation regulator, CAA, urged the air traffic operator NATS to reassess its contingency plans following an IT failure in August 2023 that impacted 700,000 passengers. The report called for improved collaboration between NATS, airlines, and airports to avoid severe disruptions in the future.

The British aviation regulator has demanded an overhaul of contingency plans from the country's air traffic operator after an IT failure in August 2023 led to massive disruptions. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that 700,000 passengers were affected during the peak holiday season.

The report included 34 recommendations, emphasizing the need for tighter collaboration between the air traffic service NATS, airlines, and airports. The incident attracted condemnation from the government and airline executives, who estimated costs exceeding 100 million pounds in refunds and compensation.

Transport Minister Louise Haigh backed the CAA's findings, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the meltdown and expressing hope that similar events are avoided in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)