North East holidaymakers are facing travel chaos today as France air traffic control issues have left flights across Europe grounded and delayed.
Flights between Newcastle and France, Spain and Portugal have been affected by the massive disruption caused by the failure of air traffic control systems in France.
Newcastle passengers have reported being stranded on the airport tarmac with delays of up to four hours.
Kyra Jewitt, who was due to travel on an EasyJet flight from Newcastle International Airport to Portugal on Sunday morning, reported waiting on the ground alongside "14 other planes and counting".
She said: "It’s affecting all flights that need to pass through French airspace. We’ve been given a three hour estimated delay and are not allowed off the plane."
Another passenger travelling from Newcastle to Malaga said: "We were boarded on schedule at 6.30am for 7.05am take-off.
"At 7.20am the pilot told us we were delayed because of failure of the French air traffic control system and that we were facing a minimum of two and a half hours' delay.
"There are no planes moving at Newcastle if they need to navigate French airspace. We have now been told there may be an additional one and a half hour wait.
"People are now becoming a but uncomfortable at the long wait.
"Everyone knows it's not the airport or Jet2's fault but patience is starting to wear thin at the situation."
A spokesperson for Newcastle International Airport said: “We are aware of some issues with the French air traffic control systems which are affecting some flights to and from France and Spain.
“We advise passengers on affected flights that they may experience delays today, and to check with their airline for further updates.
“Live flight information is available on the Newcastle Airport App and our website.
“A further update will be provided when we have more information.”
EasyJet, British Airways and Ryanair services are also among the affected airlines.
On social media, passengers complained of delays of more than three hours.
Just after 9.20am Paris Airport confirmed there had been a "national computer failure related to the centralization of flight plans" but that the issue had now been resolved.
Delays were still to be expected, it added, and passengers should direct any questions to their airlines.
Ryanair posted a statement at 8.30am confirming the issue.
It read: "We regret to advise customers that there has been a serious French ATC equipment failure early on Sunday morning. Long French ATC slot delays of up to 3 hours are being suffered. If this equipment is not repaired quickly it could lead to long delays and possible ATC cancellations later on Sunday especially to flights operating across France.
"We apologise sincerely for these ATC delays which we are doing all we can to minimise."
