National Air Traffic Services: Operational Failure Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

National Air Traffic Services: Operational Failure

Lord Browne of Ladyton Excerpts
Tuesday 5th September 2023

(8 months, 1 week ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Vere of Norbiton Portrait Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Con)
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As I think I have already outlined, there is no mechanism by which airlines can seek financial compensation directly from NATS in this circumstance. However, there is a mechanism whereby charges can be reduced in the future if NATS does not meet its service targets.

Lord Browne of Ladyton Portrait Lord Browne of Ladyton (Lab)
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My Lords, when the investigation into what the Minister refers to as “these events” is completed, if it concludes that there was negligence on the part of NATS or people who work for it, surely NATS should be responsible for compensating those to whom it owed a duty of care—namely, the airline companies and the passengers. Is that not how it works in this country?