Calls are growing for Martin Rolfe, the chief executive of National Air Traffic Services (Nats), to step down after a second major disruption to air travel in just two weeks. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has directly expressed her frustration to Rolfe and confirmed she will meet with Nats chairman Sir Warren East to discuss the situation. The latest incident involved a connectivity fault at the Prestwick air traffic control facility, leading to the cancellation of over 170 flights. This follows a major software issue on 8 September that impacted more than 2,000 flights across the UK. The recent problems have reignited concerns about the reliability of Nats, which manages air traffic control for much of the UK. The latest disruption comes after a string of high-profile system failures during Rolfe’s leadership, according to Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, who has publicly called for Rolfe’s resignation. O’Leary cited four major incidents in recent years that have disrupted flights and inconvenienced passengers. Nats has issued apologies for the recent incidents, acknowledging the impact on travelers and the aviation industry. The UK government, which owns a 49 percent stake in the company, has also launched an internal investigation into the recurring technical issues. The inquiry aims to determine the causes of the disruptions and whether there are systemic problems within the organization. As pressure mounts on Nats, the government’s involvement adds another layer of scrutiny. With the company operating critical infrastructure, the need for reliable and safe air traffic control is paramount. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions by the government or Nats leadership will be closely watched by the aviation sector and the public.