Huge delays are expected after a computer problem at an air-traffic control center in southern England shutdown airports throughout the UK. London's Heathrow airport, the busiest in Europe, is closed until at least 2 p.m. EST. Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted airports are also shutdown.

A technical problem at the Swanwick air-traffic control center in southern England—which covers all Atlantic approaches to the England—is to blame for the closure.

"We apologize for any delays and our incident response team has been mobilised," National Air Traffic Services said in a statement. "Every possible action is being taken to assist in resolving the situation and to confirm the details."

UPDATE 11:37 am: The computer program has reportedly been fixed:

[Image via AP]