Edinburgh Airport Faces Major Disruption Due to IT Outage
Published 5 December 2025
Highlights
- Edinburgh Airport experienced a two-hour suspension of flights due to an IT issue with Air Navigation Solutions.
- Seven flights were cancelled, 11 diverted, and 15 delayed, affecting thousands of passengers.
- Services resumed at 10:40 AM, but disruptions and delays continued throughout the day.
- Passengers were advised to contact airlines for updates, as the situation remained fluid.
- The airport thanked passengers for their patience as a comprehensive investigation into the IT issue began.
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Rewritten Article
Edinburgh Airport Faces Major Disruption Due to IT Outage
Edinburgh Airport, Scotland's busiest air hub, faced significant disruptions on Friday morning following an IT issue with its air traffic control provider, Air Navigation Solutions (ANS). The outage led to a two-hour suspension of flights, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Flight Suspensions and Passenger Impact
Flights were grounded from early morning until 10:40 AM, with some planes waiting on the tarmac for up to two hours. The airport reported that seven flights were cancelled, including routes to Paris, Bristol, and Belfast, while 11 incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Additionally, 15 flights faced delays, affecting thousands of passengers.
Among those impacted were Margot and Iver Morton from Dundee, who faced a 10-hour wait after their flight to London was cancelled. "It was most unexpected," said Iver. "We've been left to fend for ourselves, and it's not been an easy process." Meanwhile, Christine McKenzie opted for a train to Bristol after her flight was delayed, expressing a pragmatic approach to the situation.
Ongoing Delays and Airport Response
Despite the resumption of services, Edinburgh Airport warned that further disruptions were possible. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest information. The airport and ANS have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the IT failure. "Safety is our number one priority," an ANS spokesperson stated, emphasizing the swift efforts to restore system capabilities.
Broader Context and Previous Incidents
Edinburgh Airport, which serves over 15 million passengers annually, has faced similar disruptions in the past. Last July, a global IT problem with CrowdStrike also led to a temporary closure. Such incidents highlight the recurring challenges faced by the aviation industry due to technological failures.
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Scenario Analysis
The recent IT outage at Edinburgh Airport underscores the critical importance of robust technological infrastructure in aviation. As the investigation unfolds, there may be calls for enhanced IT systems and contingency planning to prevent future disruptions. The incident also raises questions about the resilience of air traffic control systems and the need for ongoing investment in technology. Passengers and airlines alike will be keenly watching the outcomes of the investigation, which could influence future operational strategies at Edinburgh and other airports globally.
Edinburgh Airport, Scotland's busiest air hub, faced significant disruptions on Friday morning following an IT issue with its air traffic control provider, Air Navigation Solutions (ANS). The outage led to a two-hour suspension of flights, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Flight Suspensions and Passenger Impact
Flights were grounded from early morning until 10:40 AM, with some planes waiting on the tarmac for up to two hours. The airport reported that seven flights were cancelled, including routes to Paris, Bristol, and Belfast, while 11 incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Additionally, 15 flights faced delays, affecting thousands of passengers.
Among those impacted were Margot and Iver Morton from Dundee, who faced a 10-hour wait after their flight to London was cancelled. "It was most unexpected," said Iver. "We've been left to fend for ourselves, and it's not been an easy process." Meanwhile, Christine McKenzie opted for a train to Bristol after her flight was delayed, expressing a pragmatic approach to the situation.
Ongoing Delays and Airport Response
Despite the resumption of services, Edinburgh Airport warned that further disruptions were possible. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest information. The airport and ANS have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the IT failure. "Safety is our number one priority," an ANS spokesperson stated, emphasizing the swift efforts to restore system capabilities.
Broader Context and Previous Incidents
Edinburgh Airport, which serves over 15 million passengers annually, has faced similar disruptions in the past. Last July, a global IT problem with CrowdStrike also led to a temporary closure. Such incidents highlight the recurring challenges faced by the aviation industry due to technological failures.
What this might mean
The recent IT outage at Edinburgh Airport underscores the critical importance of robust technological infrastructure in aviation. As the investigation unfolds, there may be calls for enhanced IT systems and contingency planning to prevent future disruptions. The incident also raises questions about the resilience of air traffic control systems and the need for ongoing investment in technology. Passengers and airlines alike will be keenly watching the outcomes of the investigation, which could influence future operational strategies at Edinburgh and other airports globally.
