DELAYS are this afternoon easing for air passengers after technical problems at a Hampshire-based air traffic control centre were resolved.

NATS in Swanwick had been forced to restrict the number of aircraft flying across the south and those taking off from London airports while they battle to restore full operations.

Southampton Airport confirmed that four flights from the terminal were delayed this morning a result of the problems.

But operations in Swanwick have now been “identified and corrected”, according to a statement.

A spokesman said: “NATS has identified and corrected the technical problem that has been affecting air traffic control systems in the south of England.

“Operations are now returning to normal and we are working with the airports, airlines and Eurocontrol to clear the backlog of flights to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“Outbound delays from the UK have generally been limited to 20 minutes.

“We regret any inconvenience this technical problem has caused, however our first priority will always be the safety of the flying public.”