Nationwide Outage at UK Border Gates Causes Massive Delays at Airports

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 9, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
White and red plane tails
White and red plane tails. Source: unsplash

A significant technical malfunction in the UK border's e-gates system has led to extensive delays at major airports across the country, affecting thousands of international travelers. The disruption, which impacted automated gates used to process incoming passengers, has resulted in prolonged wait times and considerable inconvenience.

Extensive Delays Unfold at Major UK Airports: International flights into and out of the United Kingdom are facing severe delays as the Border Force grapples with a widespread outage of its e-gates. This system failure has forced airport staff to revert to manual processing of passengers, a slower method that has caused long lines and extended waiting times. Reports from Manchester Airport indicated passengers waiting up to 90 minutes post-landing. A passenger, Steven Brownrigg, shared his experience, noting that priority was given to families with small children and vulnerable passengers, with staff distributing bottled water to those waiting.

Airports Nationwide Are Affected: The outage has not been isolated to one location but has spread across several major airports including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The airports have communicated actively about the situation, offering assistance and coordinating with officials to manage the crisis. Heathrow Airport, in particular, has been actively involved in supporting the emergency response plans.

Flight Disruptions Recorded: According to Flightaware, the impact on departures and arrivals has been significant. London Heathrow reported that 20% of its departing flights were delayed, while Edinburgh saw delays in 14% of its daily operations. Manchester Airport experienced delays in 12% of departing flights and 15% of incoming flights.

Passenger Discontent and Welfare Concerns: The situation at Stansted has been particularly challenging, with passengers reported to be tired and upset. Some have been confined to their aircraft upon arrival, with pilots unable to provide a timeframe for disembarking due to the backlog at passport control. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with images and videos from frustrated passengers stuck in queues, with concerns escalating over the well-being of those affected, especially as wait times approached three hours.

The Home Office has acknowledged the technical issues affecting the e-gates and is likely working on resolving the outage, though no detailed information or timeframe for a resolution has been provided at this stage.

As the situation unfolds, passengers are advised to check with their airlines and the airports for the latest updates and possibly prepare for delays. This incident highlights the challenges and dependencies on technology in managing border security and processing at such a large scale.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Brussels Airlines aircraft landing on runway with smoke from tires

New Credit Cards Offer Tailored Benefits for Travellers in Belgium

Mar 22, 2025 14:46 PM
Railway worker repairing tracks during maintenance

Rail Closures to Disrupt Windsor Travel

Mar 22, 2025 12:27 PM

New European and North American Destinations from Zurich in 2025

Mar 22, 2025 10:31 AM

Hilton Announces Global Expansion for 2025

Mar 22, 2025 08:44 AM
Interior of Liverpool John Lennon Airport with illuminated Liverpool sign and currency exchange area

Security Lane Upgrades at Liverpool Airport May Disrupt Travel Plans

Mar 22, 2025 06:29 AM
Busy Glasgow street with double-decker First Bus buses and historic architecture

Smart Travel Options Unveiled for Glasgow Matchday

Mar 22, 2025 04:32 AM
A historic stone archway in Cagliari, Sardinia, framing a scenic city view with palm trees and a lively square below

New Flight Routes Make Sardinia More Accessible for Travelers in 2025

Mar 21, 2025 23:35 PM
A close-up of a black British passport with a gold emblem on a white surface

British Travellers Urged to Check Passport Validity Rules Before Easter Holidays

Mar 21, 2025 21:44 PM
Burgas Airport departures terminal with travelers outside on a sunny day

Bulgarian Airports to Upgrade Landside Services

Mar 21, 2025 19:23 PM

Integrated Bus Service Enhances Travel to Scottish Grand National

Mar 21, 2025 17:34 PM

Air India and Air New Zealand Partner to Expand Travel Routes

Mar 21, 2025 15:46 PM
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a laptop, and a small seating area by the window overlooking a cityscape

Hotels Turn to Personalization to Boost Rates

Mar 21, 2025 13:21 PM
A traveler with a suitcase walks through Hamad International Airport's modern terminal, featuring sleek architecture and spacious seating areas

Hamad International Airport Opens New Concourses to Ease Passenger Flow

Mar 21, 2025 11:36 AM
Emirates aircraft parked at Dubai International Airport during daytime

Emirates Expands A350 Network with New Destinations

Mar 20, 2025 22:38 PM
Cloud-covered green mountains with mist rolling over

Unsettled UK Weather This Weekend and Its Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 20:41 PM

Ryanair Expands Summer Schedule in Klagenfurt

Mar 20, 2025 18:24 PM

ixigo Expands Flight Options with Amadeus Integration

Mar 20, 2025 16:37 PM
Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 landing with extended landing gear against a clear blue sky

Lufthansa Enhances First Class for Long-Haul Travelers

Mar 20, 2025 14:42 PM
An empty railway platform in Milan with a Trenitalia train in the background, marked with warning signs restricting track crossing

Rail Disruptions in Milan and Their Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 12:26 PM
A seaside resort in Hurghada, Egypt, with palm trees and a view of the Red Sea and distant mountains in the background

Direct Flights from Aalborg to Hurghada Open New Winter Travel Options

Mar 20, 2025 10:39 AM
Amtrak locomotive at a station platform, ready for departure

Amtrak Unveils Exclusive Auto Transport Rail Deal for Florida Trips

Mar 19, 2025 23:49 PM
Railway construction work with heavy machinery near electrified tracks

Major Rail Delays Expected Near Loughborough This Weekend

Mar 19, 2025 20:36 PM

Ryanair Takes Legal Action Over Passenger Misconduct

Mar 19, 2025 18:22 PM

ScotRail Warns Travelers of Disruptions for Hampden Match

Mar 19, 2025 16:47 PM
A futuristic electric air taxi with six rotors displayed in an exhibition setting

Joby and Virgin Atlantic Introduce Electric Air Taxi for Travelers

Mar 18, 2025 18:35 PM
Bustling pedestrian street in Chester with historic black-and-white timber buildings, shops, and outdoor cafes

Chester’s Historic Landmarks Become More Accessible with Open-Top Buses

Mar 18, 2025 16:23 PM