British Airways suffers global delays due to computer glitch

LONDON – British Airways travellers are suffering delays globally due to a computer glitch in the check-in systems, the latest in a string of technical failures to hit major international airlines.

Travellers took to social media to complain of long lines and the airline said “a number” of airports were affected.

According to tracking service Flightaware, 157 BA flights were delayed, or 17 per cent of its total flights, and 5 were cancelled as of midday in London.

“We’ve been in line for three hours,” said one passenger, Erik Blangsted, as he waited for his flight at San Francisco International Airport. “We’ve talked to the people who’ve offered us some cold water and some chips — and sympathy.”

The airline apologized and said passengers are now being checked in at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports but that the process may be “a bit slower than usual.”

BA had to apologize already in July after computer glitches in check-in systems also delayed passengers. It began installing new systems last October and completed the rollout earlier this year.

The company, which is part of the International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, says it would “encourage customers to check in online before they reach the airport.”

The airline’s problems come barely a month after U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines Inc. suffered a global outage that caused it to cancel 2,300 flights.