British Airways travel chaos after worldwide IT check-in glitch sparks huge queues at Heathrow and Gatwick airports

Blimey @British_Airways never seen a queue this long at T5. Queue staff are friendly pic.twitter.com/UyOgpoh2Ot

— ian tracey (@iantracey) June 19, 2016

British Airways passengers are facing delays after a worldwide IT glitch at check-in desks caused a huge backlog.

A spokesperson confirmed the problem began at Gatwick Airport, spreading to Heathrow Airport, after the airport giant changed their check-in system.

The problem could affect every one of the company’s check-in desks across the world, but so far problems have only been reported at the two British flight terminals.

Passengers began tweeting about the delays at around 1pm yesterday – with problems now continuing for more than 20 hours.

One passenger, flying out of Gatwick Airport, feared her honeymoon could be ruined after being stuck in delays.

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Kym Miller wrote: “Crazy queues at check-in. Thanks British Airways. Please don’t ruin my honeymoon.”

Kit Hobbs wrote in response: “British Airways, what a wonderful start! Very annoying. Sort IT out. #moonmare.”

Crazy queues at checkin @Gatwick_Airport. Thanks @British_Airways – please don’t ruin my honeymoon

— kym miller (@KymMiller) June 19, 2016

Another irate passenger at Gatwick complained after having to queue despite already checking in online.

Scarymonstertwo wrote: “Utter shambles at BA check in right now. Why offer online check in then make me queue to join a queue to check in???”

A passenger flying from Heathrow Airport, also shared a picture of the huge queues.

Under the picture Ian Tracy wrote: “Blimey British airway. Never seen a queue this long at T5. Queue staff are friendly.”

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Another Heathrow flier, Adam Reed wrote: “You must be proud of your consistently bad service, as you don’t feel the need to change it! #shocking #embarassing.

“Delays due to computer glitch! No apologies or explanation! Now after a ridiculous delay, waiting for bags for 20 mins!”

A British Airways spokesperson said: “We have now resolved the IT issue which affected some of our check-in and boarding gate systems at a small number of airports.