Y2K: UK may stop suspect airlines crossing airspace

The UK has threatened to stop airlines from flying into its airspace if it is in any doubt about their Y2K reliability.

"In all cases, safety will be paramount and the department will not hesitate to withdraw permits if there are any safety doubts resulting from Y2K problems," said the UK's Department of the Environment and Transport in a statement.

The UK’s stance follows hot on the heels of a US report which maintains that 35 countries had not met with the 31 August deadline to submit Y2K compliance data to the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The countries that have not filed reports could risk being banned from flying into the US over the millennium.

International standards body, the ICAO, is currently investigating Y2K readiness of airports and air traffic control systems around the world in conjunction with the Air Transport Association. The UK is expected to fully assess the situation when it receives the ICAO’s report in October.

London airports operate three of the busiest air routes: London to New; London to Paris; and London to Dublin.

Major airlines, including British Airways and Air France, are scheduled to publish their winter flying timetables in the coming weeks.