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The nationwide problem of e-gates is causing long delays at airports as all travelers have to be processed through staffed passport offices rather than automated gates.
Sat 27 May 2023 09:52, United Kingdom
The UK Home Office has confirmed that there are delays at the UK border due to a nationwide problem with electronic gates at ports and airports.
The technical issue caused the electronic gates to stop working late Friday, meaning all passengers must be processed through the airport’s staffed desks.
It comes as traffic increases on the motorways and queues grow in Dover due to the bank holiday.
Heathrow said it was aware of the problem affecting its passengers.
The airport said the electronic gates are operated by the Border Force, adding that the problem is widespread at airports and seaports.
She said: “Our teams are working closely with the Border Force to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we have additional colleagues on hand to manage queues and provide passenger care.
“We apologize for any impact this may have had on passenger flights.”
The Home Office also confirmed the delay in the arrival of arrivals in the UK.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We are aware of a nationwide border regime issue affecting arrivals in the UK.
“We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and are liaising with port operators and airlines to minimize disruption to travelers.”
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Road commuters also face the possibility of long lines throughout the weekend.
Transport data company Inrix has warned, however, that journeys on some stretches of the M25 could take up to three times longer than normal.
Long delays are also expected on the M5 at Somerset and the M6 at Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Drivers across the UK are expected to take 19.2 million recreational car trips between Friday and Monday, according to estimates from the RAC, with the hottest day of the year so far expected to be Sunday.
Ferry passengers via Dover are advised to allow two hours to complete border controls and check-in.
DFDS ferry company tweeted: “Please prepare with refreshments and use of the facilities prior to arriving at port.”
The Port of Dover said the delays in French border control were due to “information technology issues” with “high volumes of tourist and freight traffic approaching the ports”.
A traveler queuing in Dover told Sky News they believed “the point of contention was control of the French border”.
“Once we got over that, I moved inside Dover really well,” they added.
Photo: Queues in Dover on Friday
The RAC said it was anticipating the busiest weekend for traffic since before the pandemic.
“Departing early in the morning or delaying flights into the evening is the best way to avoid the inevitable delays,” said spokesman Rod Dennis.
While vacationers face the prospect of long lines, those staying home for the long weekend get to enjoy some of the warmest weather of the year.
South East Wales and around the Bristol Channel will have the best weather, with temperatures reaching up to 24°C on Saturday and Sunday.
Other parts of the UK could see temperatures in the high teens and low in the 20s.
Dry and bright weather is likely to continue for most people with very little rain expected throughout the next week during the half term.
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