Incoming flight data caused ATC meltdown, investigation reveals

According to initial investigations into the problem by Nats, its systems, both primary and the back-ups, responded to the data by suspending automatic processing to ensure no incorrect safety-related information could be presented to an air traffic controller or impact the rest of the air traffic system.

Nats chief executive Martin Rolfe, who apologised for the situation, said there were no indications this was a cyber-attack. "We have well established procedures, overseen by the CAA, to investigate incidents," he added.

"We are already working closely with them to provide a preliminary report to the secretary of state for transport on Monday. The conclusions of this report will be made public."