Britons warned of 'delays' getting home in the wake of 'nationwide issue' at UK airports

Britons warned of 'delays' getting home in the wake of 'nationwide issue' at UK airports

Britons going abroad have been urged to check travel advice

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 26/04/2024

- 10:17

Updated: 26/04/2024

- 10:52

All E-Gates at Passport Control in airports across the UK were affected

Holidaymakers heading back to UK airports today may face delays, as easyJet issues a warning to travellers.

Britons flying home have been warned that the process of getting out of the airport may be more laborious than usual.


On easyJet's official website, the airline said: "We have been informed of a nationwide issue that is currently affecting all E-Gates at Passport Control in UK airports.

"UK Border Force is deploying all available resources to minimize queue times, however, there may be a delay between disembarking your plane and clearing passport control."

Queueing at airport

Britons were warned to expect delays

Queueing at airport

Electronic gates used to scan passports at UK airports were hit with a glitch on Thursday, April 25.

As a result, thousands of passengers were affected.

Early evening on April 25, Birmingham Airport said on X: "Arriving into #BHX, the @ukhomeoffice e-Gates are currently out of service due to a technical issue across the country. Please use the desks within the Immigration Hall only."

A few hours later, BHX reassured travellers: "We can now confirm that the below issue is resolved."

London Stansted also shared a similar message and later confirmed that the problem was fixed.

Last night, a disgruntled passenger at Heathrow Airport took to X: "Huge queue at @HeathrowAirport for @UKBorder. Apparently, E-gates have failed again UK-wide. #brokenbritain."

One X user agreed: "Dislike! I always dread something like this happening, especially after a long-haul flight."

easyJet offered some advice to a passenger concerned about the delays.


One holidaymaker asked on X: "@easyJet hey. I fly from Birmingham airport on Monday morning. I’ve heard about the security delays. Will bag check-in be extended to three hours before flight time or will it stay at two?"

A spokesperson from the airline responded: "Bag drop will still open two hours to departure.

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Passengers using the E-gates at UK border control, Stansted Airport

Electronic gates used to scan passports at UK airports were hit with a glitch

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"I recommend you check the flight information and status on our flight tracker."

In recent travel news, Heathrow Airport has issued an alert to holidaymakers.

The major travel hub warned Britons: "Border Force officers at Heathrow plan to strike from Monday, April 29 to Thursday, May 2."

While most journeys should be "unaffected", Britons may experience longer queue times.

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