Check-in baggage delays at Heathrow Terminal 5 for British Airways passengers
Travellers with check-in luggage were unable to fly after technical problem
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British Airways' passengers with check-in luggage were unable to fly from Heathrow's Terminal 5 (T5) due to a computer problem.
The IT difficulty meant that those turning up at T5 with bags needing to go in the aircraft hold were not able to travel.
T5, from where nearly all BA flights operate at Heathrow, had a disastrous opening day in March 2008 when hundreds of bags went astray and there long flight delays, but the terminal has had few problems since and has won widespread praise.
Today's difficulties began around 9am with some passengers unable to check in. By around 11.30am Heathrow said its staff had restored partial check-in for hold baggage and were working hard to restore full operations.
“We have additional staff in the terminal to help passengers,” added a Heathrow spokeswoman. Incoming flights were not affected.
A BA spokesman said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience to customers and we are working hard with the airport owner to minimise any disruption.
“All of our flights continue to operate as normal.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments