Flights were delayed yesterday after a computer glitch at Eurocontrol, the air space and flight management organisation.
The problem led to widespread delays and cancellations after it was discovered at around midday yesterday (Tuesday April 3).
Eurocontrol said there had been a computer failure with its Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System that links air traffic control centres across Europe and it integral to route planning.
The organisation warned half of the 29,500 flights expected to operate on Tuesday in the European network could be delayed.
About 15,000 flights throughout Europe were cancelled or delayed and around 500,000 passengers were estimated to have been affected by the system failure at Eurocontrol’s Brussels headquarters.
Flights to and from British airports including Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Stansted were delayed or cancelled.
Services to and from London City airport were particularly badly hit but Heathrow said it has largely been unaffected.
Yesterday Eurocontrol tweeted: “The issue with the ETFMS has been identified and work is progressing to recover the system, which is expected to occur late this evening.”