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Dubai-UK travel: Emirates flights operating as per usual amid technical glitch

Many flights were grounded due to the technical glitch on Wednesday evening, reportedly causing chaos at UK airports

Published: Wed 30 Jul 2025, 8:47 PM

Emirates airline on Wednesday said its flights out of the United Kingdom (UK) are operating as scheduled after a technical glitch affected flights departing from London City, Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

A spokesperson of the Dubai-based airline told Khaleej Times that all of Emirates flights “should be operating as per normal schedule out of the UK".

The world’s largest international carrier operates multiple flights to the UK airports every day.

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In addition to Emirates, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also operates direct flights to UK airports.

Many flights were grounded due to the technical glitch on Wednesday evening, reportedly causing chaos at UK airports.

“As a result of a technical issue at NATS Swanwick air traffic control centre, we are limiting the number of aircraft flying in the London control area to ensure safety, which is always our priority. We apologise for any delays this may cause. Our engineers are working hard to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, and we are working closely with airlines to help minimise disruption. At this stage, we cannot say how long it will be before operations are back to normal. Please check with your airline on the status of your flight,” the regulator said in a statement earlier.

However, the system was restored late, and NATS said systems are fully operational and air traffic capacity is returning to normal. “Departures at all airports have resumed, and we are working with affected airlines and airports to clear the backlog safely. We apologise to everyone affected by this issue.”

But travellers have been advised to expect delays and disruptions and check with individual airports for advice.