Nationwide e-gates problem affecting UK airports

A nationwide problem with passport e-gates is currently affecting all UK airports, the Home Office has confirmed.

The technical problem caused electronic gates to stop working late on Friday.

It means all passengers have to be processed through staffed airport desks until the issue is resolved.

There have already been reports of passengers facing queues of around two hours.

Some airports have been posting updates on Twitter.

The e-gates are operated by Border Force. A Border Force spokesperson said:

"Our teams are working closely with Border Force to help resolve the problem as quickly as possible and we have additional colleagues on hand to manage queues and provide passenger welfare.

"We apologise for any impact this is having to passenger journeys."

A spokesperson for the Home Office said:

"We are aware of a nationwide border system issue affecting arrivals into the UK.

"We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and are liaising with port operators and airlines to minimise disruption for travellers."

It comes as there have been queues too at the Port of Dover, where thousands are waiting for ferries over to France.

The Port said it was affected by a separate technical issue, but delays are now beginning to ease.

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