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UK aviation regulator announces scope of independent review into NATS technical incident on 8 September 2026

Published:
Categories:
Airlines, Airports, Airspace, Consumers

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today (25 September) announced the terms of reference for its independent review into the NATS technical incident on 8 September 2026.

This follows a request to the Civil Aviation Authority from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in the wake of the incident, which caused disruption to travellers and saw more than 2,000 flights being delayed, cancelled or diverted.

A preliminary report published by NATS on 18 September said the incident was caused by a software defect.

The Civil Aviation Authority review will consider NATS’ report on the causes of disruption that day, understand the impact on consumers and identify any additional actions needed to strengthen confidence in the resilience of the UK's air traffic management system in the future.  This will include consideration of:

  • NATS' strategy and plans for the renewal, replacement and modernisation of critical operational systems, including how business continuity plans could be improved for existing systems and how well NATS is set to deliver modernisation of those systems.
  • How well the recommendations from previous reviews have been implemented.
  • The effectiveness of the CAA's regulatory oversight arrangements.
  • Lessons that could be drawn from international best practice, including in relation to resilience and recovery from significant disruption.

The review will also be informed by other similar events, including those of Monday 21 September.

An initial report will be provided to the Secretary of State by the end of January 2027. The final report will be provided by 8 March 2027.

An “independent challenge panel”, whose members will be appointed by the CAA and approved by the Secretary of State, will provide robust expert challenge and advice.

The CAA review team will engage with NATS, airlines, airports, passenger groups and other stakeholders throughout the course of its work.

The full terms of reference can be found on the CAA website: www.caa.co.uk/CAP3315

For further information, please contact: press.office@caa.co.uk