Airlines have consistently argued for less NATS funding to reduce their own costs

A technical issue at NATS yesterday resulted in the cancelation of hundreds of flights and delays to many more across the country.

Several airlines today have laid the blame at the door of NATS, overlooking the fact that they regularly argue for less investment so they can cut their own costs.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“Prospect is proud to represent the dedicated air traffic controllers and air traffic systems specialists who keep the travelling public safe and manage some of the most complex and congested airspace in the world. 

“We understand that incidents like this are incredibly disruptive to the travelling public, but the clear priority is to maintain safety and separation between aircraft.

“It is disappointing, but not surprising, that various airlines have used this opportunity, before the facts had been established, to continue their campaign to undermine NATS. We should be clear thatthese airlines have consistently argued for less investment in people and systems at NATS in order to reduce their own costs.  

“This incident is a clear example of the need to continue to invest in people and systems to increase the resilience of our aviation infrastructure.”