Passengers may face disrutpion after airspace restrictions were put in place due to a computer failure.

Air traffic control company NATS reported earlier: "We can confirm that a technical problem has been reported at Swanwick air traffic control centre. We apologise for any delays and our incident response team has been mobilised.

"UK airspace has not been closed, but airspace capacity has been restricted in order to manage the situation. We apologise for any delays and our incident response team has been mobilised."

The latest update on the wesbite at 4.30pm stated: "The system has been restored. However, it will take time for operations across the UK to recover so passengers should contact their airline for the status of their flight."

Simon Ames, communication officer for Biggin Hill Airport, said Biggin Hill was included in the closure, but said it had no flights in the air.

Mr Ames added: "We had some aeroplanes planning to take off this afternoon, which if this goes on for a long time will be affected.

"It's how long it lasts for. As long as it takes to secure whatever the problem is."

Phone footage taken by Press Association sports reporter Simon Peach who was stuck on a runway at Heathrow on a BA flight from Istanbul due to technical problems at Swanwick air traffic control centre.