Martin Rolfe, chief executive of Nats (National Air Traffic Control Services), addressed an aviation industry conference, remarking on the public backlash he faced following two technical failures at the organization’s control centers. The first incident occurred on 8 September, when a software problem prevented approximately 2,000 of the expected 8,000 flights from operating that day, resulting in significant delays for the remainder. A second glitch struck on 21 September at Nats’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, leading to over 200 flight cancellations. Airlines reported that the initial outage alone caused tens of millions of pounds in losses.
Rolfe acknowledged the disruption caused to travelers and stated he understood the criticism directed at him, noting that individuals in his position bear personal responsibility for operational failures. He rejected repeated calls for his resignation, particularly those from Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary, saying he was “quite enjoying” disregarding them. Rolfe confirmed that the technical issues have been resolved and attributed to unprecedented circumstances, though he declined to guarantee that future outages would never occur.
Other aviation industry representatives challenged Rolfe’s framing of the incidents. Ryanair’s chief operating officer Neal McMahon criticized the comparison of the outages to overall system reliability, characterizing them as significant operational failures. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also addressed the conference, describing the disruptions as “simply unacceptable” and pledging to ensure lessons are learned, though she said she would await findings from the Civil Aviation Authority before determining further action.
A government-commissioned inquiry is examining the causes of the initial September failure. The Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing early findings and is expected to report to Alexander early in 2027.
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