CAA threatens action as regulator launches own review into ATC meltdown
Tom ParryThe Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to launch an independent review into the air traffic control meltdown which caused hundreds of delayed and cancelled flights on August bank holiday Monday (28 August).
A preliminary technical report by the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) claimed the issue was caused by a data anomaly that forced its system to stop processing flight plans. The system was closed to maintain safety and required manual operation to continue service.
The CAA said it would now independently review the issues around the system failure and how Nats responded to the incident – with the threat of “appropriate” action should the organisation be found to have breached its statutory and licensing obligations.
The review, which the CAA said will also set out future lessons to be learned for the benefit of consumers and the industry, comes after calls from aviation chiefs – including easyJet boss Johan Lundgren – last week for an independent investigation.
Nats shared its preliminary technical report on the failure with the CAA at the start of this week, which the regulator passed to transport secretary Mark Harper and aviation minister Baroness Vere.
The CAA said details of the independent review will be published by the end of this month.
Rob Bishton, joint-interim chief executive of the CAA, said: “Millions of passengers every year rely on air traffic control to work smoothly and safely.
“The initial report by Nats raises several important questions and as the regulator we want to make sure these are answered for passengers and industry.
“If there is evidence to suggest Nats may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations we will consider whether any further action is necessary.”
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Tom Parry
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