Airports worldwide plunged in to chaos as check-in systems crash at six airports

Airline passengers are suffering major disruption at airports around the world after a computer programme which handles passenger check in systems crashed this morning.

Queues formed at check-in desks around the world after the computer system used by more than 100 airlines crashed this morning.

Problems have been reported at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as Charles de Gaulle Paris, Washington DC, Baltimore, Melbourne, Changi in Singapore, Johannesburg and Zurich.

The check-in system is run by Amadeus Altea, which is used by 125 airlines. The company behind the computer programme has said a ‘network issue’ is causing the problems but that ‘services are gradually being restored’.

A Heathrow spokeswoman said: ‘A small number of airlines are currently experiencing intermittent issues with their check-in systems at airports around the world – including at Heathrow.

‘Passengers will still be able to check-in for their flight, although the process may take slightly longer than usual.

‘We are working closely with our airlines to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.’

A Gatwick Airport spokesman told MailOnline some of their airlines reported faults, but the systems were only down for two minutes.

But other airports, including Melbourne in Australia, saw huge queues at the check in desks.

He added: ‘This is an airline issue, not an airport issue. This isn’t Gatwick software, it’s hit a few airlines’ check-in systems which are down. There was no major disruption at Gatwick.

‘They are using Altea software and there are several airlines that use the same software for check-in and it’s that which is affected. They cannot check the passengers in.

‘Things are back up and running after a momentary IT glitch.’

Daily Mail

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