US Flight Shutdown Sparks Cancellations at Heathrow
Heathrow passengers faced cancelled flights to the United States on Saturday, 14 November, after a nationwide air traffic control failure brought American departures to a halt the previous day. Thousands of US flights were cancelled or delayed, leaving aircraft and crews out of position. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted the restriction on Friday evening, Britain's aviation regulator warned that transatlantic disruption could continue into the weekend.
What to Do if Your US Flight Is Affected
- Check your flight status with the operating airline, including any connecting sector.
- Follow the original airport arrival time unless your airline confirms a change.
- If cancelled, ask for rerouting that protects onward flights on one booking.
- Check whether a different departure airport or carrier is being offered.
- Keep evidence of unavoidable hotel, meal and ground transport costs.
- Do not accept a voucher without checking your refund entitlement.
The FAA stopped departures on 13 November after unstable communications and radar data affected air traffic control centres. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said more than 3,500 aircraft were airborne when the order was issued. The restriction ended at 20:15 Eastern Time (01:15 GMT Saturday), but aircraft and crews still needed repositioning. Eurocontrol separately suspended Europe-originating US departures between 22:00 and 05:00 UTC.
Saturday morning cancellations at Heathrow included departures to Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Houston and New York, alongside delays on other services. British Airways later said its operations were normal; Manchester Airport expected no significant disruption and Gatwick expected minimal impact. JetBlue waived change fees and fare differences for qualifying flights on 13–14 November booked before the 13th, with travel allowed until 18 November.
Passengers on UK-regulated cancelled flights can choose a refund or rerouting and may qualify for meals and accommodation while waiting. Compensation is unlikely where the cause lies with air traffic control rather than the airline. Under US rules, customers who decline alternative travel following a cancellation are also entitled to a refund. A missed connection on a separate ticket may require arrangements with another operator.
