Flight chaos could 'last for days' in UK after air traffic control fault

UK air traffic control fault

Flight chaos will ‘last for days’ following today’s air traffic control faults, an aviation expert has warned.

More than 500 flights to and from the UK have been cancelled following a “technical issue” with air traffic control.

The National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the country’s leading provider of air traffic control services, said controllers are having to input flight plans manually due to a fault with its systems.

It apologised for the disruption caused by the failure, which is causing significant delays at UK airports. Shortly after 3.30pm, NATS said the technical issue had been “identified and remedied”.

The BBC has reported more than 500 UK flights, 232 departing and 271 arriving, have been cancelled as of 2.30pm according to data collated by aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Many more are likely to be delayed with passengers told to expect waits on the tarmac of up to 12 hours.

Today’s travel chaos will be ‘very thoroughly’ investigated, the Operations Director of NATS has said. 

In a video statement released this evening, Juliet Kennedy said: ‘First of all, I would like to apologise for the impact on people’s travel plans today.

“The issue we had earlier meant that our automatic system, which provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route, wasn’t working.

“Instead, to manage safety, we had to limit the number of flights we could manage. 

“Our teams worked hard to resolve the problem and I’m pleased to say it was fixed earlier on this afternoon. 

“However, it will take some time for flights to return to normal and we will continue to work with the airlines and the airports to recover the situation. 

“Our absolute priority is safety and we will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today. 

“Again, I would like to apologise for the impact on the travelling public and to tell you that our teams will continue to work to get you on your way as soon as we can.”

Pigeon Post News

Heartbreaking Defeat for All Blacks as Springboks Dominate: A Devastating Blow in London

At Twickenham, London: Springboks 35

All Blacks 7

In a resounding triumph, the Springboks triumphed over the All Blacks with a commanding score of 35-7, leaving the New Zealand rugby giants reeling from a stinging defeat on the world stage. This morning's match, unfolding during New Zealand's time, proved to be a humbling and sobering experience for the All Blacks, who managed to put up only a mere 7 points.

Regrettably, this loss goes down as one of the most grievous setbacks in the illustrious history of the All Blacks, as their coach, Ian Foster, had orchestrated a rigorous test for his full-strength squad. However, the outcome demonstrated a glaring unpreparedness for the impending World Cup pool match, which looms just a fortnight away. Their first World Cup pool match, slated against France in Paris, now beckons ominously.

The All Blacks entered the fray with high hopes for a robust challenge, but they encountered more than they bargained for. The intensity of the match took a physical toll, most notably on tight-head prop Tyrel Lomax, who sustained a deep leg gash. Yet, the greater damage seemed to be inflicted upon the pride of the All Blacks, as their performance left much to be desired.

Historical records reflect that the last time the All Blacks endured such a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Springboks was in 1928, when they faced a 17-0 loss in Durban.

Critics have been swift to voice their concerns, citing poor discipline, faltering lineouts, and an ineffective kicking game as contributing factors to this disappointing outcome. The consequences of these inadequacies were brutally clear, with the Springboks capitalizing on every opportunity presented. As the All Blacks contemplate their next steps, Foster faces a race against time to rectify the deficiencies that have surfaced. The challenges do not end there, as the aftermath of this clash has also left him to manage Tyrel Lomax's injury and Barrett's penalties.

In a fortunate turn, Barrett managed to escape the ultimate consequences of his actions on the field. His two yellow cards, though concerning, were not escalated to red by off-field officials, providing a semblance of relief and sparing him further sanctions.

On the whole, the match can only be described as a lackluster showing by the All Blacks. The echoes of this defeat will undoubtedly reverberate as the Rugby World Cup draws nearer, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. Observers will be keen to witness how the All Blacks rebound from this sobering experience, particularly when pitted against France. It is fervently hoped that this morning's disheartening dismantling will serve as a catalyst for the All Blacks to rise anew, ensuring that such a performance remains an aberration rather than the norm.

Pigeon Post News Richmond

More Firemen fly to Canada tomorrow

Fire and Emergency sends specialists to assist Canadians to fight wildfires

On 26 August 2023, a fifth deployment of Fire and Emergency and forestry company specialist personnel are departing Auckland airport to assist with the ongoing wildfires in Canada  said Fire and Emergency to 25 August 2023.

Echo deployment consists of two Divisional Supervisors, two Heavy Equipment Group Supervisors, one Air Operations Branch Director, one Helicopter Coordinator and one Area Representative.

An international effort has been made to assist Canada, with firefighters from Australia, United States, South Africa, France, Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil all pitching in. 

This New Zealand deployment will provide much needed support and relief to local fire managers who have been doing it tough since May.

Fire and Emergency has already deployed 92 firefighters across four deployments to the country to help with the firefighting efforts. The majority of those firefighters were on the ground undertaking ‘arduous firefighting’.

New Zealand remains in frequent contact with Canada to assess how we can continue to support them.

Back home, we have begun preparing for the upcoming wildfire season in New Zealand, early, because it is expected to carry heightened fire danger due to an El Niño weather pattern this summer.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Media Centre

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Weather — If you are up for Saturday sports it will be a chilly start to the morning

Cold end to an already chilly August

Covering period of Fri 25 - Sun 27 August

A ridge of high pressure remains over the country, bringing settled conditions for the rest of the working week. However, a few showers will affect the upper North Island and the Far South, but for much of Aotearoa New Zealand it’s light winds, clear skies and cold nights. From this weekend MetService is however, forecasting a cold end to an already chilly month as winds tip to the southwest. 

It will be another calm, cold and frosty start on Saturday morning for many with areas of low cloud and fog about.  

MetService Meteorologist Amy Loots says, “If you’re out early for Saturday morning sports, in Nelson or Tasman, wrap up warm as it’ll be a chilly start, but the sun should come out by mid-morning and warm things up.” 

“Nelson Airport is running colder than average for August, but just over a degree, and also slightly drier than the long term average.”

“Looking ahead, the last week of August also looks cold in sunny nelson, but not as cold as it has been the few weeks.”

A series of fronts are expected to move up the lower South Island on Saturday, bringing rain to Westland, Southland, and Otago. The fronts weaken as they push further north and onto the North Island on Sunday, however, Saturday is the pick of the weekend. 

“While there is minimal risk of severe weather associated with these fronts, there may be snow fall about some higher roads, especially on Sunday so make sure to stay up to date with the relevant forecasts,” Loots said.  

Following the fronts, a cold showery southwest flow spreads over the country and persists into next week. With these cold temperatures, this month is shaping up to be a cold August for Nelson and Tasman. This comes off the back of three warmer than average winters, driven by La Niña sitting on top of an underlying warming climate and as we head into spring the outlook looks cold – typical for El Nino spring in new Zealand.

 

METSERVICE

Pigeon Post News

Two women arrested following assault outside school

 

Two arrested following Nelson assault 

Thursday, 24 August 2023 - 7:59am | Tasman

Two women have been arrested following an assault that took place outside an intermediate school on Nayland Road on Monday afternoon.  

A 25-year-old and a 27-year-old are due to appear in Nelson District Court on Wednesday 30 August on assault charges.

Enquiries remain ongoing into the wider incident as Police work to identify and interview other suspects.

Anyone who saw the incident take place and has not yet spoken to Police is asked to contact Police via 105, either online or by phone, and quote file number 230822/1005.

Police Media Centre

Pigeon Post News

Region’s transport choke point has a solution

 The intersection of Queen St & HW6 Gladstone Rd

An intersection that has been a significant choke point for industry and commuters alike is in line for investment with the release today of the Government’s Policy Statement (GPS) on Transport.

The intersection of Richmond’s Queen Street and State Highway 6 is included as part of the strategic investment programme. 

“Due to the growth of the area, this intersection has become increasingly congested and costly to the region, economically and socially”, said Tasman Mayor Tim King.  

“With the agreement to consenting and design over the next three years we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

The GPS also provides for a significant increase in maintenance funding for local and national roads in the area. “For a number of years, we have had to prioritise maintenance on many of our roads which has led to a rising level of dissatisfaction over the quality of our important transport corridors. 

“Investment of this magnitude in maintenance is an investment in resilience, sustainability and safety in this network, a network that is vitally important to a predominantly rural district such as Tasman and the economic wellbeing of the region. 

“As our predominantly primary sector economy continues to grow and develop the sustainability of our transport network is vital. The proposed investment recognises the national importance of the Richmond State Highway 6 intersection and the need for resilient regional network. 

“While the release of the GPS provides a way forward, it still requires the Council, all sectors that could benefit and residents to submit in its favour. Without strong support for the policy, priority may be given to other areas to our loss. 

“We cannot sit back and accept this proposal is a done deal, we as a District and region need to signal our support.”  

Consultation on the draft GPS closes at 5pm on Friday 15 September 2023.

To submit on the GPS: Draft Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 Consultation - Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport - Citizen Space

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News

Commuter Buzz:

 

Unprecedented Response to New eBus Service!

A wave of enthusiasm has engulfed the region in response to the brand-new eBus service!

Within its inaugural week, an impressive 15,500 journeys were clocked—a staggering 44 percent leap from the former NBus.

Contrasting the old NBus's daily average of 1,800 passengers, the modern eBus is cruising at an impressive daily average of 2,600 passengers.

The inaugural routes to Motueka and Wakefield have struck a chord, amassing 1,200 journeys in their first operational week.

Weekends witnessed an exceptional surge too, with passenger numbers soaring to 2,709—an astonishing 195 percent escalation over the old NBus figures.

We're all ears for your input on routes and bus stops! Join the conversation at https://bit.ly/3Cdha5M, drop a pin on the map, and contribute to shaping the future of routes and stops over the next year.

Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News