New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- A technical issue briefly grounded and diverted flights in Britain on Wednesday before engineers were able to restore the system, the air traffic control operator said.

Airports said it would take time for the disruption to clear, with many planes and crews out of position.

The National Air Traffic Service, or NATS, said the glitch happened at its control center at Swanwick, southwest of London, and required the service to limit the number of aircraft flying to ensure safety.

John Carr said it upended his flight to Norway for his brother's wedding, where he is the best man and had to plan the rehearsal. He and a group of friends were having a meal in the Heathrow Airport when the departures monitor showed their fli...