NATS, the UK's major provider of air traffic services, said the software defect led to corrupted information, which affected subsequent flight data updates. Restrictions were then put in place to limit air traffic to maintain safety, NATS said, adding that events "happened in the space of a millisecond". Despite the issue only affecting flights in the London Area Control centre, flight restrictions had to be put in place across the UK so that the National Airspace System (NAS) - which underpins UK airspace management - could be restarted. An investigation had ruled out a cyber attack by a hostile actor or sabotage, National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said. The glitch, which led to 2,000 flight cancellations and disrupted hundreds of thousands of journeys, raised concerns about NATS' systems and led some to call for the resignation of Martin Rolfe, chief executive officer of NATS. Mr Rolfe said on Friday: "This was a software issue in a specific part of our flight data system, that we have traced to a small subsection of coding. "The issue has been identified and mitigation is in place while a permanent fix is safety tested and deployed." He also said the shutdown was not related to a problem in 2023, which also caused widespread disruption. How a paused code request triggered two days of chaos The preliminary report, which was requested by the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, explains how a manual request for an aircraft code that was being processed was paused after the NAS system received a message for a higher priority activity. When processing of the aircraft code request resumed, the software defect meant it did not resume correctly, triggering the chain reaction that led to the grounding of thousands of flights. The investigation shows that while the initial error happened at 10am on 8 September, it wasn't apparent until two and a half hours later that a major incident was underway. While restrictions were only in place for six hours, and NATS operations returned to normal the same evening, it took more than two days for the backlog of passenger disruption to be cleared. The transport secretary has also ordered an independent review by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and said the disruption was "completely unacceptable". More from Sky News:All government departments to refresh war plans20 women had unnecessary mastectomies, says NHS trust The incident followed a shutdown in August 2023 ​which also caused travel chaos, costing airlines £100m. A smaller technical ​issue which NATS was behind in July 2025 also caused 150 ⁠cancellations. Ryanair, Europe's biggest airline, has repeatedly called for Mr Rolfe to resign since the 2023 failure. The NATS boss said: "I would like to apologise again, very sincerely, to everyone who was affected last week. It's our job to get people where they want to go, quickly and without delay and we are devastated when that goes wrong." However, he insisted that his primary role was to keep "our skies safe" and that "at no point last week was safety in question". NATS added that it had invested over £1bn in systems and technology over the past decade and plans to submits plans to the UK CAA to invest another £1bn before the end of 2033.

He first gained public attention when he beat established US stars 50 Cent and The Game to the MOBO prize, going on to appear in TV shows including Top Boy and The Chase. His death was announced by the MOBO Awards, who shared a video on social media of Sway accepting best hip-hop act in 2005, calling his win "a huge moment for UK hip hop" They wrote: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sway. In 2005, he made MOBO history, beating global heavyweights including 50 Cent and The Game to win Best Hip-Hop Act - a huge moment for Sway and UK Hip Hop. Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans." So far, no cause of death has officially been given, but he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2010. Influencer KSI paid tribute, writing on social media: "Ah man, this is a lot. Sway, Derek, thank you for everything you've done for me. "You believed in me when many didn't. You gave me a chance when many didn't." Crediting Sway as helping him grow as an artist, he added: "You were one of a kind man. I wish you were still here." Top Boy star Kadeem Ramsay paid tribute, writing: "Rest Up Legend." Singer Lemar wrote: "Your talent knew no bounds. Blessed to have shared the stage with you. Wish we'd have been able to have one more sit down. One more life discussion. But hey… we will one day. Until then. Rest in peace my friend. Love, love and more love." Kidulthood and Adulthood actor Adam Deacon also wrote: "We never did get to have that linkup. But I know he's looking down, giving me guidance in his own way." Collaborations with stars including Ed Sheeran and Riz Ahmed Born Derek Safo, Sway was born in Hornsey, north London, to Ghanaian parents, later becoming known professionally as Sway Dasafo. He broke the UK Top 40 in 2006 with songs from his debut album This Is My Demo, which was met with critical acclaim. The album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, but lost out to the Arctic Monkeys' debut. He later signed with Akon's label, Konvict Music, alongside the likes of Lady Gaga and T-Pain, collaborating with stars including Ed Sheeran, Riz Ahmed, Tinchy Stryder and Kaiser Chiefs. Read more:British woman 'rescued' in Malawi'Bail granted' to Briton held in India In 2010, Sway was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma after discovering a lump on his neck. He described his feelings on receiving the diagnosis as like being "dropped in the middle of the sea with no lifejacket, no boat - no equipment to help me." He wrote about his experience for charity Lymphoma Action, and later recorded a song about it called The Sea. In 2011, he appeared in the first two episodes of Top Boy as the character Ross Rosten, and went on to take small roles in films The Grind and The Chase. He created his own record label, Dcypha Productions, in 2013, nurturing new artists at the start of their careers. Marrying his wife Helen in the same year, they had four children - Jalil, AJ, Inaya and Imara. In a recent social media post, sharing images of him with his children, he described himself as a single father. His most recent album, Verses From The Vault 2, was released in 2018. The rapper celebrated his 44th birthday earlier this month, sharing a picture of himself on Instagram standing alone in the sunshine, and captioned: "Chapter 44".

The government needs to step up and properly regulate AI - that's what Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy tells the podcast - saying we can expect to hear more about it soon. She talks to Beth about the warnings that AI "could kill us all by the end of the decade". She also reflects on the online safety act - are the tech companies taking the UK government seriously? Beth also gets her take on the growing row over plans to house asylum seekers at a former military site near Piddington in Oxfordshire - the village of around 300 people who held a referendum this week to leave the UK. So, who gets the final say when national policy clashes with local democracy? Beth, Harriet and Ruth debate whether the government needs to rethink its plans on housing asylum seekers, why some communities feel unheard, and how immigration is becoming a defining battleground in British politics. Plus - we have an exciting announcement for our Dysfunctioners!

Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold returns to the fold for the first time since June 2025 along with Chelsea's Palmer, who was another high-profile World Cup omission. Tuchel has made eight changes from the World Cup in his 27-man group for the three-week camp, during which England, third-place finishers in the summer, will play four Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia and Czech Republic. Liverpool's 18-year-old winger Rio Nguhoma, who impressed in England's World Cup warm-up fixtures, has also been called up along with uncapped Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Analysis: Thomas Tuchel must win back trustEngland news and analysis | Follow our England blogNeville: I have a big problem with Tuchel's DNA comments Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite receives his first call-up since Tuchel's appointment, while there are also recalls for Lewis Hall, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Phil Foden is once again overlooked by Tuchel along with Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton, while World Cup squad members Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Noni Madueke drop out. Reece James, John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, Ben White and Dean Henderson are absent with injuries. Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is included despite being an unused member of the World Cup squad. The England squad in full Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United)Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth)Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Tuchel: Palmer and Trent must fight for places Asked about Alexander-Arnold and Palmer's recalls, Tuchel said: "They had a good start to the season. They never did something wrong, we just chose different players. Now is a new competition. "Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove. "The same goes for Trent. He was never non-selectable. Now is his chance to show, to come to camp and be the best version of himself. He comes as a right-back for us. "He needs to perform; it's a competition. He was not with us at the World Cup; we trusted other players, and I stick with that decision. "It's now time to fight for his place. He always said he's up for the fight. It's now up to him to prove. We have a long camp and I'm sure he'll show up." Is this a better squad than the World Cup? Analysis by Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol: Tuchel has learnt from his mistakes in the summer with his World Cup squad because he has made a lot of changes with this squad. As far as I'm concerned, Tuchel is still on the naughty step. I still haven't forgiven him for what happened against Argentina. He still has it all to prove. But by looking at this squad, I think he is admitting he made some mistakes. This is a better and more balanced squad than he took to the World Cup. 'Trent call-up a massive shift from Tuchel' Analysis by Sky Sports' Peter Smith: It shouldn't be a shock to see an Englishman playing for Real Madrid selected in the England squad but Alexander-Arnold's selection is exactly that. This marks a massive shift from Tuchel, who previously said Alexander-Arnold was not the profile of right-back he wanted in his side and repeatedly declined to select the former Liverpool star - even when Tino Livramento suffered a pre-World Cup injury and Tuchel had the opportunity to call up a replacement. Questions over why Tuchel overlooked the technically gifted 27-year-old resurfaced when the England boss questioned the natural ability of Three Lions players to retain possession and control games under pressure. Alexander-Arnold hadn't been in an England squad since the summer of 2025 so what's changed? His performances for Real Madrid this season didn't move the needle alone. He has one assist from five appearances and his deployment in midfield for the Champions League win over Inter Milan was a reminder of the continuing conundrum managers are having in getting the most out of Alexander-Arnold's potential. Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho used Alexander-Arnold in central midfield due to injuries and applauded his application - but also noted how he lost possession and the physical challenges of the role. Last season, Alexander-Arnold was battling Dani Carvajal for the right-back spot at Real Madrid. This season, it's summer signing Denzel Dumfries competing with him for the place. The brilliant on-the-ball ability remains, but defensive concerns persist. How Tuchel uses Alexander-Arnold - and what this change of stance means in the longer term - will be an intriguing narrative throughout the international break. England's Nations League fixtures Saturday September 26: Spain (H), kick-off 7.45pm Tuesday September 29: Czech Republic (A), kick-off 7.45pm Saturday October 3: Croatia (A), kick-off 5pm Tuesday October 6: Czech Republic (H), kick-off 7.45pm Your views: 'This is the squad he should have picked for the World Cup' JoeR: I am slightly confused. If Tuchel thought Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold weren't good enough for the World Cup squad, has much really changed in the first few games of the season? This is basically Tuchel admitting he got the World Cup selection wrong. Lincpoacher: It's about time that Alexander-Arnold was back in the team with his outstanding long passing that can open tight defences; it's what we needed for a long time! Fenners: Quite like the look of that squad. It will be interesting to see if Scott and Tino Livramento get many minutes. Still a little concerned about the back-line, though. Micky045: The squad he's now picked is the one that should've gone to the World Cup. So many names left out this time shouldn't have been anywhere near that squad. Similarly, some of the names picked this time round should have. Luke: Happy to see Branthwaite back in the set-up. Been immense for Everton so far this season.

It's understood a letter was sent today to Mr Infantino claiming FIFA's reserves are set to rise to $6bn - highlighting FIFA's financial strength despite its president claiming private equity was needed to fund football development. UEFA and CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean, are pushing for Mr Infantino to leave FIFA over his attempt to sell off 20% of the World Cup to private investors in a $20bn venture. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani wrote to Mr Infantino suggesting FIFA already has the wealth to use $2.1bn of funds to provide extra cash for infrastructure and football development worldwide.FIFA has been planning to make $8m available to each football association from 2027 to 2030 to help fund infrastructure, coaching, national teams, competitions, grassroots football and the women's game.Mr Ceferin and Mr Montagliani, who are both FIFA vice presidents, claim in their letter to Mr Infantino that the governing body's cash reserves would still be at least $1.5bn after distributing extra cash to FAs. Mr Ceferin and Mr Montagliani wrote that their financial analysis "raises an important question as to whether the proposed transaction was necessary to deliver greater resources" to FIFA's member associations rather than using existing growing wealth. In a letter obtained by Sky News, they added: "FIFA already has the capacity to deliver substantially more to its Member Associations (MAs) from its own balance sheet - without any sale of interests in its competitions, and without asking anything of the MAs in return."They want a complete analysis of FIFA's finances to agree on the cash that should be released to FAs beyond existing commitments to fund projects in football nations, with plans discussed at a meeting of Mr Infantino's ruling council next month. They also wrote that: "Releasing part of these reserves would demonstrate that MAs should not have to choose between development and good governance; between investment and integrity; or between financial support and the ability to consider proposals on their merits. Development is an institutional responsibility of FIFA - not a matter of individual discretion." More from Sky News:'Millisecond' software error caused air traffic outageAll government departments to refresh war plans FIFA has claimed the 2023-26 World Cup cycle will generate $15bn, which would significantly top up cash reserves of $2.7bn in last year's accounts. It's understood today's letter was also shared with members of the FIFA Council.Mr Infantino abandoned the World Cup sell-off plan after a backlash that led to UEFA pursuing legal action, claiming it was undervalued partly for his benefit. After only announcing the World Cup venture plans in late July, Mr Infantino was accused of pressuring FAs to rapidly approve the plans in less than two months or miss out on a financial windfall over the next 12 years.FIFA has denied wrongdoing, claiming there is a smear campaign against Mr Infantino, who is seeking re-election next year.

It's been nearly three decades since the UK last held the glass microphone trophy aloft, with Sam Ryder coming the closest to a win since, finishing in second place with Spaceman in 2022. This year's Eurovision entry Sam Battle, who performs as Look Mum No Computer, finished in last place, receiving just a single point for his song Eins, Zwei, Drei. The musician swiftly released a T-shirt with the slogan "Look Mum No Point" - joking that it was technically "Eins" point. In both 2024 and 2025, acts Olly Alexander and Remember Monday received points from the jury but no points from the public. Mae Muller finished second from bottom in 2023, and James Newman finished last with "nul points" in 2021. In 2009, Jade Ewan came in fifth place with It's My Time. MPs on the Digital, Media and Sport Committee will hold a state of play inquiry into the selection of the UK's entry following a callout for ideas earlier this year. Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage told BBC News: "We want to get to the bottom of who chooses our entrant, on what basis and whether our dismal record of achievement in recent years (Sam Ryder to one side) is the result of bad song choice, weak performance… or something else. "This application interested us because of the UK's reputation for scoring 'nul points', coming bottom, or close to bottom, in recent years at Eurovision, despite having world-class songwriters and musicians." The UK has won Eurovision five times, most recently in 1997 with Love Shine A Light by Katrina And The Waves. It has ranked in second place a record 16 times, but since 2000 finishes have been considerably lower. Sweden and Ireland hold a joint record for the most Eurovision wins with seven each. Next year's competition will take place in Bulgaria, following singer Dara's first-time victory for the country in May. Despite being an apolitical contest in name, Eurovision has become mired in controversy in recent years, with five countries pulling out of the competition last year in protest over Israel's participation amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Earlier this week, Ireland announced it would boycott the contest for a second year in a row due to the "ongoing loss of lives in Gaza". Last month, Danish broadcaster AvroTros confirmed it too would be boycotting Eurovision 2027, saying the contest is no longer consistent with "trustworthiness, independence and humanity".

Speaking to the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Lisa Nandy told Sky News political editor Beth Rigby that X boss Elon Musk did not send a representative to a recent summit discussing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The charity told its volunteers not to wear branded clothing outside after it was targeted following operations in the Channel that saw its vessels bring small boat migrants to the UK. Politics live: Follow the latest updates Ms Nandy said: "I think it tells you that they haven't been held to account for a very long time. "And I do want to be fair to those who did turn up, you know, the likes of Meta and TikTok and YouTube and others. "I mean, some of them are doing much better than others, and they're doing it voluntarily." She added: "There are other companies that were sitting around that table who just aren't. "And X, like you said, I mean, it is disgusting, actually, in my view, that they didn't bother to reply or to turn up. "I think it says a lot about how they see their, well, how they don't see that they [have] a moral and social set of responsibilities to us all." Ms Nandy bemoaned that banning young people from social media was deemed necessary to protect children online - but promised to keep using legislation to keep up with technological developments. "There's no question that we're going to have to introduce more legislation," she said. "I think we're going to have to start getting used to the idea, actually, that government is going to be far quicker, far more interventionist, and I think I'm going to have to see the law updated regularly because tech is changing so fast that we've got to be able to respond." She had said earlier: "What a damning indictment it is of all of us as a collective failure that we've had to become one of the first governments in the world to say we are taking children out of social media altogether because we cannot keep them safe. "I mean, that is, you know, if that was happening in the real world, if we were taking children out of town centres because we just couldn't keep them safe, I think we'd be having a huge national debate about that as a country. "And [Prime Minister Andy Burnham] and I just aren't prepared to cede this to the private sector any more. "We've outsourced child safety effectively to the likes of Elon Musk for long enough. And the government needs to step up and we're going to." Sky News has approached X for comment.

Banton was aided by useful cameos from skipper Harry Brook (23 off 8) and Jos Buttler (30 off 16) - the latter becoming the first player to make 15,000 T20 runs - as the home side sauntered past Sri Lanka's modest 145-9 with 7.5 overs to spare. The victory is England's 14th in succession over Sri Lanka, and their 22nd in their last 25 T20 internationals as Brook's side continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and new white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOWIs Harry Brook more talented than Kevin Pietersen?As it happened - England batter Sri Lanka in Cardiff to win T20 seriesListen to latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket PodcastHow imperious England strolled to dominant series victory Sri Lanka's innings got off to a quick start, with openers Pathum Nissanka (37 off 21) and Lahiru Udara (21 off 20) putting on 55 runs without loss in their first five overs, but standout bowler Liam Dawson (3-32) took the wickets of Udara and Kamil Mishara (0) in successive balls to seize momentum from the batting side. Jamie Overton (2-23) eventually sent Nissanka packing after the powerplay, and it was not long before he struck again, forcing Kamindu Mendis (12 off 8) to chop on, with Dawson compounding Sri Lanka's pain by dismissing Shanaka just three balls later to leave the tourists reeling at 95-5 having been 56-0. A determined fifth-wicket resistance from skipper Charith Asalanka (31 off 31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (27 off 22) gave the tourists some needed respite, but the ever-dependable Adil Rashid (1-18) and the impressive Sonny Baker (1-15) dismissed both batters respectively in the space of six balls, before Jofra Archer took two wickets in the final over of the innings to leave Sri Lanka nine down having set England a target of 146. England began to make quick work of their opponents, with openers Buttler (30 off 16) and Aneurin Donald (21 off 13) putting on 50 runs in the first 25 balls before Dushmantha Chameera (1-29) and Eshan Malinga (1-27) dismissed the pair in the space of three balls. Brook, then, looked to up the pace, smashing three sixes in four balls, but was then caught by Malinga on the boundary, ending a sensational run of 311 runs without dismissal in T20 internationals for England. His side's middle order, though, were undeterred, with top scorer Banton combining with a useful Jordan Cox cameo (12 off 7) to finish off the chase and claim victory. Brook lauds 'special performance' - and 'ridiculous' Buttler! England white-ball captain Harry Brook, speaking to Sky Sports: "Tonight was a special performance, very clinical. Sri Lanka got off to a flier but the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding. "The way Dawson reads the game was outstanding, too. He is an awesome bowler and a great bloke. He uses all of his nous. "Everyone bowled phenomenally and the way Banton hits different parts of the ground with the bat was great to see. "[Buttler's 15,000 T20 runs] is ridiculous. Long may it continue. He has been phenomenal for 15 years and someone you want by your side and in the changing room." Watch England's third T20 vs Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 2:30pm on Saturday. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract with NOW. England vs Sri Lanka results and fixtures All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports First T20 (Utilita Bowl) - England win by 119 runsSecond T20 (Thursday September 17) - England win by six wicketsThird T20 (Saturday September 19) - Old Trafford (2.30pm)First ODI (Tuesday September 22) - Durham (12.30pm)Second ODI (Thursday September 24) - Headingley (12.30pm)Third ODI (Sunday September 27) - The Kia Oval (10.30am)