Passengers flying into the UK are facing long delays at passport controls as e-gates across the country have gone down, reports the BBC.
The system has been down since Friday night. Long queues are expected to build very quickly. All airports across the country that use the gates are affected, meaning people flying in are having to queue to get their passports checked manually.
The Home Office said it was working with airlines and port operators to “minimise disruption for travellers”.
Travellers leaving the UK via the Port of Dover have also faced issues after the French passport system failed earlier this morning.
The IT issue has been fixed, but cars and coaches are currently waiting for about an hour, and there are over 400 lorries queuing to make the crossing.
Meanwhile, airports around the UK issued statements warning passengers of delays but saying they were working with the UK Border Force to minimise disruption, and a Gatwick Airport spokesperson said queues were “manageable” so far – although they were expecting 800 incoming flights during the day. It said the issue there first started between 19:00 and 20:00 BST on Friday.
The e-gate system speeds up passport control by allowing some passengers to scan their own passports. The system uses facial recognition to verify a traveller’s identity and captures an image of the traveller as they pass through the gate.
Reportedly, 60-80% of incoming passengers now go through e-gates, depending on the airport. Obviously, physically-manned desks will now substitute.
E-gates can be used by British citizens aged over 12 and those from the EU, as well as people from several other countries including Australia, Canada, the US, Japan and New Zealand.
All entry points retain manned security desks for other passengers and those who are unable to use the e-gates.
Earlier this week, British Airways was also hit by IT issues, affecting more than 20,000 passengers at Heathrow.
