London airspace closed due to computer failure

London airspace has been closed due to a computer failure, UK air traffic controllers said on Friday. The news was announced in a brief message on flight safety body Eurocontrol's website.

UK air traffic controllers, called NATS, confirmed that a "technical problem" at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire will keep the airspace shut until 0030 IST Saturday (1900 GMT, Friday). It is believed to be due to a power outage.

NATS said in a statement that "every possible action" was being taken to resolve the problem. "We apologise for any delays and our incident response team has been mobilised. Every possible action is being taken to assist in resolving the situation and to confirm the details. Further information will be released as it becomes available," it said.

London's Heathrow Airport reported flights were "currently experiencing delays". Eurocontrol said, "There has been a failure of the flight data computer server at London ACC (area control centre). Engineers are working on the problem and more information will be given when available."