UK Air Traffic Disruption: MAS Cancels MH1, Diverts MH4, Revises Flight Schedule For MH1D, MH4D

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airlines flight MH1 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), scheduled for Sept 9, 2026, has been cancelled following a widespread technical disruption affecting the United Kingdom’s (UK) air traffic control system.

In a statement today, the national airline said the widespread technical disruption affecting the UK National Air Traffic Services (NATS) air traffic control system on Sept 8, 2026, had disrupted flight operations at several UK airports.

“As a result, Malaysia Airlines flight MH4 from KUL to LHR on Sept 8, was diverted to Manchester Airport (MAN). To facilitate passenger recovery, Malaysia Airlines will operate dedicated recovery services under flight numbers MH4D and MH1D on Sept 9.

“The revised schedule will see MH4D depart MAN at 5.45 pm local time (12.45 pm Malaysian time) and arrive at LHR at 6.45 pm (1.45 pm Malaysian time), while MH1D departs LHR at 8 pm (3 am Malaysian time) and arrives in KUL at 4.15 pm Malaysian time on Sept 10,” it said.

Malaysia Airlines also said that it will reimburse hotel accommodation up to £150 per room, per night, alongside reasonable meal expenses and local ground transportation, including taxi, Uber, or train fares.

“Guests should retain all itemised receipts and submit their reimbursement claims through the Feedback Form on the Malaysia Airlines website,” it said.

It also noted that passengers on diverted flight MH4 are advised to proceed to their accommodation without waiting for checked baggage at MAN, as baggage offloading cannot be carried out safely at MAN due to stand congestion and remote parking constraints.

“Malaysia Airlines deeply regrets the inconvenience caused by this system-wide disruption. Further operational updates will be communicated directly to affected passengers via email and SMS,” it added.

Earlier, reports said more than 1,000 flights were cancelled at airports across the UK on Tuesday following a technical failure at Britain’s air traffic control service.

Meanwhile, London Heathrow Airport said via X that arrivals had been suspended for the remainder of Tuesday (Sept 8) to ensure the safety of passengers and colleagues.

“However, departures have resumed, but the disruption is expected to continue, so we advise passengers to check with their airline for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport,” it said.

-- BERNAMA