Airport chaos 'computer problem' causes long passenger delays until at least 2pm today

"Engineers are working to rectify the problem as soon as possible."

Travel expert Simon Calder said the problem was a "disaster" for travellers, while aviation analyst David Learmount aviation analyst David Learmount compared the issue to rebooting a personal computer.

"They've tried to bring some of the equipment online but not all is working satisfactory," he told Sky News. 

"Unfortunately what happens after that is even if they get things back on right now there's going to be some delays for the remainder of the day."

The Stansted spokesman said: "There are restrictions on the air space and the flow of aircraft. Our first departures go at 6am, so that's when the problems started."

A spokeswoman for Gatwick Airport said: "There are some issues with the air traffic control system.

"The result of it is that, at the moment, 20 per cent of our flights are being delayed, by anything up to a couple of hours, but we're getting people moving and getting them away. 

"There are no problems with arrivals at the moment."

Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest situation. 

On its website, Ryanair apologised for any inconvenience, writing: "Ryanair has been advised of an equipment failure within UK air traffic control which will cause significant flight delays and possible cancellations." 

Passanger Daisy McAndrew said she had been caught in the "unholy mess" at Gatwick as she tried to fly to Barcelona for work.

"As ever, staff have been fantastic but they know nothing other than the fact it is going to be a very, very long delay - very frustrating," Ms McAndrew told Sky News.

"And also, it's embarrassing, isn't it? When you look around a lot of people on my plane are not British, they are flying British Airways, they are probably trying to get back to Spain and they will inevitably be thinking this is something that could have possibly been prevented.

"It doesn't show our air traffic control system or our travel system in a good light.

"I have never heard of an example where every single plane is grounded - it's quite eerie when I look out of the window to see the tarmac in Gatwick, normally so busy, and also the sky above Gatwick which is normally busy - completely static, there's nothing moving."

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Glasgow helicopter crash: Pilot's funeral will take place today

Tragic: Pilot David Traill will be laid to rest todayThe funeral of the pilot killed in the Glasgow police helicopter crash will take place this morning.

Experienced civilian airman Captain David Traill, 51, was one of nine who died when the aircraft plunged on to the roof of the Clutha bar in the city on November 29.

The ex-RAF pilot's funeral will be held at Glasgow University.

Mr Traill's employers have described him as "the epitome of the consummate professional".

During his time in the RAF, he served in both Gulf wars, Bond Air Services said.

Mr Traill also spent time as an instructor during his military career.

"His untimely death has been deeply felt by his family, friends and colleagues who mourn his passing with a sense of intense loss and sorrow," his employer said.

The pilot, originally from Falkirk, had a career that spanned 26 years.

His role as a civilian pilot for both the Glasgow-based Scottish Air Ambulance and Police Scotland was said to have brought him a great deal of happiness and job satisfaction.

Bond added: "As a former RAF pilot and instructor, Dave had 20 years of service flying the Chinook in places as varied as Norway and Bosnia.

"He served his country in both Gulf wars and formed part of the Chinook 2007 display team before joining Bond Air Services as a commercial pilot in 2008.

"Dave Traill was an esteemed colleague, a legend amongst his peers and above all, everyone's friend.

"Never short of a witty comeback, it went hand in hand with his dry sense of humour.

"Taken from us too early, he leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and friendship.

"We will miss him."

The other crew members who died in the incident were police constables Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

Six people died inside the pub where live music was being played at the time.

They were Robert Jenkins, 61, Mark O'Prey, 44, Colin Gibson, 33, John McGarrigle, 57, Gary Arthur, 48, and Samuel McGhee, 56.

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Prince George to be christened today

Bell is renowned for his images of Hollywood stars and rock and pop legends like Sir Paul McCartney, actress Scarlett Johansson and former England footballer David Beckham.

The photographs taken after the ceremony will be historic images that are expected to capture four generations of the royal family together.

The pictures will show the Queen with three future monarchs - Charles, William and George.

It will echo the picture taken in July 1894 during the christening of the future Edward VIII, showing the royal baby with his father, later George V, grandfather, the future Edward VII, and great grandmother, Queen Victoria.

Bell's images have been featured in the National Portrait Gallery and published in glossy magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair.

In past decades, senior royal babies - the Queen, Charles and William - have been christened at Buckingham Palace.

But the Cambridges have chosen the Chapel Royal, where the coffin of the Duke's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, lay before her funeral.

Princess Beatrice was the last well known royal baby to be christened at St James's Palace, in December 1988.

George will be christened in a replica of the intricate lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex's son, Viscount Severn, became the first royal baby to wear the new robe at his christening in 2008.

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