The UK’s Border Force has suffered a “nationwide IT issue” which is causing major delays at airports.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed: “This afternoon a technical issue affected eGates at a number of ports. The issue was quickly identified and has now been resolved.
“We have been working hard to minimise disruption, and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused.”
Heathrow Airport tweeted: “We’re aware of a systems failure impacting the e-gates, which are staffed & operated by Border Force.
“This issue is impacting a number of ports of entry and is not an isolated issue at Heathrow. Our teams are working with Border Force to find a solution as quickly as possible.”
We’re aware of a systems failure impacting the e-gates, which are staffed & operated by Border Force. This issue is impacting a number of ports of entry and is not an isolated issue at Heathrow. Our teams are working with Border Force to find a solution as quickly as possible.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) September 24, 2021
Edinburgh Airport tweeted: “The UK Border Force IT issue is nationwide and UKBF teams are working to resolve this.”
It added: “All available UKBF staff are in the arrivals hall to carry out necessary checks and allow passengers to pass through the border as quickly as possible.”
| The UK Border Force IT issue is nationwide and UKBF teams are working to resolve this.
All available UKBF staff are in the Arrivals hall to carry out necessary checks and allow passengers to pas through the border as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience. https://t.co/0hjFUiacnK
— Edinburgh Airport (@EDI_Airport) September 24, 2021
London City Airport said: “There is currently an IT issue with UK e-gates at airports across the UK. UKBF are working to resolve this as soon as possible.
“Passengers will be manually processed for the time being and may experience longer wait times. Thank you for your patience.”
There is currently an IT issue with UK Border Force e-gates at airports across the UK.
UKBF are working to resolve this as soon as possible.
Passengers will be manually processed for the time being and may experience longer wait times. Thank you for your patience.
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) September 24, 2021