Radar gremlins GROUND FLIGHTS across southern Blighty

Computer glitches in the UK's air traffic control system have restricted the number of flights over the south of England. It's reported thousands of passengers and holidaymakers face delays thanks to the technology gremlins.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed that it's "experiencing technical problems" at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire, and it's trying to restore operations.

"This has not resulted in the closure of UK airspace or the suspension of all flights in or out of the UK," NATS insisted.

"However, to maintain safety, NATS is restricting the number of aircraft flying across the south of England and those taking off from airports."

The air traffic authority said it was "taking every step" to sort out the difficulties and has contingency plans in place to try to minimise disruption.

Airports including Heathrow and Luton near London have already warned passengers that the problems were likely to lead to delays, while flyers were tweeting from the ground around Europe about the IT cock-up... ®

Appears to be a problem with @HeathrowAirport Air traffic Control. Stuck on the ground in Nice. Anyone know what is going on?

— Peter Rich (@PCR1) July 9, 2013

Sat on the tarmac at Gatwick airport because radar system in SE England has failed -.- #boredboredbored

— Amy-Kate Robinson (@AmyKateRobinson) July 9, 2013