"Most transatlantic flights leaving the UK were grounded today by a break-down in air traffic control systems.

The fault happened at Prestwick airport's air traffic control hub at 8am, causing delays at airports across the country, a spokewoman for NATS, which is responsible for the UK's air traffic management, said.

She said: "We have put restrictions on aircraft entering oceanic airspace over the north Atlantic."

All airborne aircraft arriving in the UK have been safely landed using manual systems, she added.

Nats said that London's Heathrow was the worst affected by the delays, with flights to the United States delayed by more than two hours. "

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