An independent review into the air traffic control meltdown on August bank holiday Monday has been launched by the aviation regulator.
The Civil Aviation Authority today confirmed that the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) “technical issue” on August 28 will be probed.
The problem temporarily affected air traffic control services that saw many hundreds of flights delayed and cancelled.
Jeff Halliwell, previous chair of slot co-ordinator Airport Co-ordination Limited and the Heathrow Consumer Challenge Board, has been appointed to lead the review which will consider the causes, response, how the incident was managed and lessons for the future.
He will be supported by two-panel members, who will determine the final report findings and make any recommendations.
The review panel “will engage with a wide range of stakeholders”.
The CAA said that the independent review panel will consider:
- Immediate causes of the incident and preventing repeat occurrences.
- Incident communication and associated stakeholder engagement.
- The resources and resilience arrangements available to Nats to respond to system failures and major incidents.
- Broader considerations around investment and infrastructure of Nats.
- Nats performance and incentives.
- Impact on consumers.
- Aviation system response.
- Airline and airport costs of providing care, assistance, and re-routeing to consumers.
A final report will be provided to the board of the CAA and transport secretary Mark Harper before publication.
CAA joint-interim chief executive Rob Bishton said: “The events of the 28 August bank holiday had a significant impact on many passengers. That’s why we’ve launched this independent review to understand what happened and learn lessons for the future.
“We have appointed Jeff Halliwell, who will be supported by two further panel members, to bring a range of expertise to help determine and consider any recommendations to benefit both consumers and the wider aviation industry.”
Halliwell added: “This event had a significant impact on many passengers, businesses and the aviation industry and it is clear lessons need to be learnt.
“I am looking forward to working with industry and passengers to tackle this review to understand how the incident occurred, how it was managed and identify any recommendations.”