Computer glitch causes havoc at UK airport entrances

A computer glitch this Saturday affected the automated passport control system and caused major delays for travelers arriving at UK airports, especially London, authorities said.

Also on social media, many travelers complain that they have to wait several hours before they can clear immigration in the middle of a long weekend.

London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports cited a national issue involving British Border Police’s “electronic gates” that allow automatic checks to pass.

“Our teams are working closely with border police to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” Heathrow Airport authorities posted on their website, adding that more staff have been mobilized to manage queues and assist passengers.

There are over 270 e-passes across 15 locations in the UK that are available to travelers aged 12 and over, whether British, EU or a number of other countries (including Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan or the US).

“We are aware that we have a national issue affecting arrivals in the UK,” a Home Office spokeswoman said, adding that “they are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, in collaboration with carriers and airlines to minimize traveler problems.” .

There were also reports this morning of long queues to board ships crossing the English Channel via the Port of Dover (South East England) due to a computer issue at passport control at the French border, an issue that has already been resolved, according to Twitter.

According to the same post, the problem is “solved” with mid-afternoon wait times of 30 to 45 minutes, compared to 90 minutes in the morning.

The disruptions come after British Airways was forced to cancel many 175 flights between Thursday and Friday due to technical problems, UK news agency PA reported.