UK flight disruption eases after 2,145 cancellations since Tuesday

More than 2,145 UK flights have been cancelled or disrupted since Tuesday due to a NATS air traffic control technical issue, with disruption expected to ease on Thursday. The worst-hit airport was London Heathrow, with 79 of 666 departures affected, while British Airways suffered the most among airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority says passengers are unlikely to receive compensation, as the outage is considered "extraordinary circumstances." Ryanair's Michael O'Leary has called for NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe to resign, labelling his position "untenable." Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she did not believe the issue was "unavoidable," and NATS has confirmed a comprehensive investigation will be undertaken.