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Business & Politics · 4 Beginner · September 9, 2026

Many Flights Cancelled Due to Computer Problem

Many Flights Cancelled Due to Computer Problem
Photo: Rafael Rodrigues via Pexels

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Vocabulary

cancelled /ˈkæn.səld/ verb
stopped something that was planned
The flight was cancelled because of bad weather.
system /ˈsɪs.təm/ noun
a group of things that work together
The computer system helps the airport work well.
delay /dɪˈleɪ/ noun
when something starts later than planned
There is a two-hour delay for this flight.
passenger /ˈpæs.ən.dʒər/ noun
a person who travels in a plane, car, or bus
Two hundred passengers were on that airplane.
destination /ˌdes.təˈneɪ.ʃən/ noun
the place where someone wants to go
My destination is New York City.
airline /ˈer.laɪn/ noun
a company that flies people from place to place
I bought my ticket from an airline yesterday.

Article

Many people have problems with flights today. A computer system stopped working at airports. This system helps planes take off and land safely. Now hundreds of flights are cancelled.

What Happened?

A company called Nats controls air traffic. Nats tells planes when they can fly. Today their computer had a problem. The computer stopped working for a while. Nats fixed it, but there are still big problems.

Many Flights Are Cancelled

Airlines have to cancel many flights. Passengers cannot fly today. They must wait for another day. Some people are angry. Some people are sad. They wanted to go to their destinations.

More Problems Coming

Even after the computer is fixed, there will be more delays. Many planes are not in the right places. The airports are very busy. It takes time to fix everything.

What Can Passengers Do?

Passengers should call their airline. They can ask about a new flight. Some airlines will give them money back. Other airlines will give them a new ticket for another day.

Why Is This Important?

Air traffic control is very important. Planes need help from these systems. Without good systems, flights cannot be safe. Nats must make sure computers work well.

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever had a flight cancelled? What did you do?
  2. How do you feel when your flight is delayed?
  3. Do you think air traffic control is important? Why?
  4. What should airlines do for angry passengers?
  5. How can computer problems affect your travel plans?

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