# Software error caused flight chaos in a ‘millisecond’, disrupting hundreds of thousands

https://mins.news/en/item/64301

- The Guardian, 2026-09-18 13:28 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/18/flight-chaos-affecting-hundreds-of-thousands-caused-in-millisecond-by-software-error-uk

> A previously unknown software defect in part of the UK’s air traffic control system corrupted flight data in a millisecond, causing a six-hour outage, more than 2,000 cancellations and widespread delays. Ministers said the report failed to explain why the problem was not found earlier; the aviation regulator will investigate Nats more widely.

## Related coverage

- [New air traffic control failure delays flights at some UK airports](https://mins.news/en/item/67320) — Reuters, 2026-09-21
- [Live: Air traffic control technical issue disrupts flights across UK](https://mins.news/en/video/67125) — BBC News, 2026-09-21