Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh Airport, was forced to close temporarily on Sunday afternoon due to an unspecified information technology issue. The closure grounded all flights, causing significant disruptions during the peak holiday travel season.
Flights Grounded and Diverted
At approximately 4:15 pm local time, Edinburgh Airport ceased all flights in and out. This left travelers stranded and created a wave of cancellations and delays. Some incoming flights were rerouted to Glasgow Airport, located about 50 miles away. Passengers were left scrambling for alternative transportation to reach their final destinations.
Edinburgh Airport quickly released a statement indicating that engineers were working diligently to resolve the problem. However, at the time, there was no immediate timeline given for when normal operations would resume.
Passenger Impact and Airport Response
The timing of the shutdown was particularly unfortunate, coinciding with the start of the holiday travel season, one of the busiest times of the year for the airport. In response to the shutdown, the airport advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport, as flight statuses were subject to change.
Many travelers, including those bound for international destinations, were left frustrated as their plans were thrown into disarray. Some had already made their way to the airport, only to be informed that their flights were delayed or diverted elsewhere.
A Temporary Setback
Despite the technical glitch, the airport’s engineering team was actively working to restore service. It remains unclear what caused the IT issue, but it highlights the vulnerability of airports to unforeseen technological failures, especially during high-traffic periods.
Travelers planning to fly out of Edinburgh in the coming days are urged to stay updated on the situation and check with their airlines for real-time flight information.
