British Airways passengers were stranded on the tarmac at multiple airports in the UK and internationally on Monday evening after a “technical issue” disrupted the airline’s operations. While the airline has since resolved the problem, the incident caused significant delays and left passengers waiting for hours without clear communication.
What Did British Airways Say About the Disruption?
The disruption began around 17:00, with passengers taking to social media to express frustration while waiting on the tarmac. Many reported being in the cold without any updates on their flights. One passenger, stuck in Verona, Italy, posted on social media: “We’re being made to stand on the tarmac in a very cold Verona waiting for an already delayed flight.”
A statement from British Airways confirmed that a technical issue affecting some of its computer systems caused the delays. “We’ve apologized to customers for delays to their flights and ensured they were able to reach their destinations as planned,” the airline said. Despite the disruptions, the airline assured passengers that no flights had been canceled.
How Widespread Was the Disruption?
While the specific extent of the problem remains unclear, it was reported to have affected flights globally, including domestic UK routes. Airports across Europe were impacted, with travelers in Hamburg, Naples, Lyon, and Dusseldorf all reporting delays. According to Downdetector, a website that monitors service disruptions, there was a sharp increase in complaints about the British Airways website after the issue began around 17:00.
How Many Passengers Were Affected by the Technical Issue?
It is estimated that the disruption could have affected tens of thousands of passengers. Although the delays were reportedly limited to one or two hours for most flights, the widespread nature of the issue meant that many travelers were impacted, primarily as the airline worked to resolve the technical problem.
Why Were Passengers Left Waiting in the Cold?
As the delays continued, passengers in several cities voiced their frustrations online. One traveler in Verona described the situation, saying, “We’ve been stuck on the tarmac for an extended period with no explanation. It’s freezing, and we have no idea what’s happening.” Others expressed concern over the airline’s lack of communication, further adding to the discomfort of the situation.
Despite the inconvenience, British Airways’ swift resolution allowed most passengers to reach their destinations without significant disruption. However, the incident highlights the airline’s ongoing challenges and the frustrations of air travelers who rely on timely communication during travel delays.
