Airport computer breakdown was 'calamitous', says MP

Airports around the UK have been returning to normal following a major computer failure on Friday at the national air traffic control centre, which left many flights cancelled and delayed.

National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said a technical fault in the flight data system at its Swanwick centre, in Hampshire, had caused the problem.

However, Louise Ellman MP, chairwoman of the Transport Select Committee, said questions now needed to be answered.

"This is a major part of our aviation service and it really is calamitous when it breaks down in this way," she told BBC News.