Heathrow in Chaos as BA IT Glitch Strands Passengers
Heathrow Airport has descended into chaos after British Airways suffered a major IT failure. The glitch in BA’s baggage allocation system left scores of passengers stuck on planes and facing hours-long waits to retrieve their luggage.
Massive Delays and Furious Travellers
The UK’s busiest airport confirmed that travellers from Terminal 5 “may be impacted” but insisted no other airlines were affected. Despite this, FlightRadar data revealed nearly all Heathrow departures were delayed or cancelled this evening, with just 11 out of 174 flights leaving on time.
Scenes at Terminal 5 are dire. Videos show giant queues snaking around the baggage claim and customer service desks. Frustrated families and holidaymakers vented their anger on social media as panic attacks flared and children struggled to cope.
Wedding Honeymoon Ruined by Travel Nightmare
“I am returning from my wedding/honeymoon with my husband. A less-than-fabulous end to what is meant to be a trip of a lifetime,” said one heartbroken bride. “BA cancelled our flight home with just 90 minutes’ notice. They tried to reroute us on a 6-hour flight via Madrid, which we refused. After rebooking, that flight was delayed two hours. Now we’re stuck two hours at baggage claim with no clear updates.”
She added: “No customer service beyond two poor ladies dealing with angry customers.”
Passengers Slam ‘Third World’ Travel Conditions
Outraged travellers slammed BA and Heathrow online. One passenger tweeted: “Shambles at Heathrow. No bags arriving. No info. Told to go home but need my bag for a wedding tomorrow. Being told 48 hours for delivery? NO INFO.”
Phil Beck, stuck since 8pm after flying in from Aberdeen, called it “third world” service from a “third world” airline.
“It’s now past midnight and I’m still waiting for baggage that may never come,” he said.
Another traveller waiting on a plane from Madrid said: “My daughter is having a panic attack and the pilot isn’t getting any updates. Absolute disgrace.”
Heathrow and BA Respond
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are supporting British Airways with a technical issue affecting their allocation system. Passengers at Terminal 5 may be impacted. We advise travellers to check with BA before travelling. No other airlines are affected.”
Earlier, BA texted affected passengers: “We can’t guarantee your bags will have travelled with you today due to a technical issue.”
The chaos follows yesterday’s incident when a ground vehicle caught fire next to a BA plane at Terminal 5, adding to travellers’ misery.
