Travel chaos: anger at UK airport delays due to passport e-gate failure

Travellers on social media described queues of several hours at a number of airports including Heathrow and Gatwick

The Home Office said on Saturday evening the e-gates have started operating as normal after the problems earlier in the day

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Travellers arriving at Heathrow Airport in London are being delayed due to a technical issue. Photo: AP

Published: 7:45pm, 27 May 2023Updated: 1:40am, 28 May 2023

Britain’s automated border control gates known as e-gates have started operating as normal after problems earlier in the day, the Home Office said on Saturday evening.

Passengers flying into Britain were facing major delays after landing at airports due to a nationwide issue affecting the e-gates that scan passports upon arrival.

On social media, travellers have described queues of several hours at a number of airports including Heathrow and Gatwick as arrivals needed to have their passports checked by hand rather than the automated machines.

People queue at arrivals at Heathrow airport in London, UK on Saturday. Photo: Ivan Coninx via AP

The problems come as millions are expected to take to the roads and public transport for the bank holiday weekend.

One traveller arriving at Heathrow posted on Twitter: “Just landed to scenes of utter chaos. 2 hour queues just to get to the real queue. Gates broken.” Another passenger at Gatwick described the situation as an “utter joke”.

A Gatwick Airport spokesman said the problem started on Friday evening but queues had eased on Saturday. He said: “Some passengers may experience delays at immigration due to a nationwide issue with UK Border Force e-gates.

“Our staff are working with UK Border Force – who operate passport control including the e-gates – to provide assistance to passengers where necessary.”