Manchester Airport passengers are facing long delays at border control amid reports of a ‘national outage’. Images shared on social media show long lines of holidaymakers trying to return to the UK this evening (May 7).
Other airports have also been hit by long queues. It comes amid reports of a national issue affecting Border Force.
It’s understood that the problem is affecting the e-gates system at airports including Manchester. The M.E.N. understands passports are being checked manually at Manchester.
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But the issue is forcing long queues this evening. A Manchester Airport spokesman said: “We are aware of an issue with UK Border Force’s systems across the country, affecting a significant number of airports.
“Our Resilience Team and customer services colleagues are supporting passengers while UK Border Force and the Home Office fix the issue.” Further details about the ‘outage’ are yet to be confirmed. Border Force has been approached for comment.
This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below
21:12James Holt
Border force queues at Manchester Airport
Queues are still big at passport control in Manchester this evening
21:10James Holt
Heathrow apologises to passengers over ‘nationwide’ issue
20:59Stephen Topping
‘Staff trying their best’
These are the scenes at Heathrow tonight.
One passenger says staff are trying their best, but are having to deal with ‘some very entitled people’ making their jobs harder.
20:55Stephen Topping
Passengers affected
Travellers are still being affected at arrivals this evening.
The M.E.N. has approached the Home Office for comment.
20:44Key Event
Manchester Airport statement
Manchester Airport staff are supporting Border Force to get passengers through arrivals tonight amid the outage.
An airport spokesman said:
“We are aware of an issue with UK Border Force’s systems across the country, affecting a significant number of airports.
“Our Resilience Team and customer services colleagues are supporting passengers while UK Border Force and the Home Office fix the issue.”
20:35Stephen Topping
Stansted Airport affected
London Stansted is also affected by the issue.
20:32Stephen Topping
Queues at Heathrow
This passenger claims ‘a few thousand’ are waiting in line at Heathrow, amid the national issue.
20:29Stephen Topping
The view from Manchester Airport
Passengers arriving in Manchester are among hundreds affected by the issue across the country.
The M.E.N. understands the issue is affecting the e-gates system.
It’s understood passports are being checked manually.
20:26Stephen Topping
Delays at airports
These are the scenes in Heathrow and Manchester, two of the country’s biggest airports.
20:24Stephen Topping
‘National outage’
Passenges are facing long queues at airports across the country tonight amid reports of an ‘outage’ affecting Border Force.
It’s understood the issue is affecting the e-gates system at border control, in airports across the country including Manchester.
Images from arrivals in Manchester show long queues in the area, as travellers try to return to the country.
Other airports, including Heathrow, are also facing the issue this evening.
Further details about the reported outage are yet to be confirmed.
Border Force has been approached for comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
