Chaos After IT Outage Forces Cancellation of All British Airways Flights From Two London Airports
British Airways suffered a major computer failure on Saturday, which led to the cancellation of all of the airline’s flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports near London, England.
ABC News spotlighted the resulting chaos in a Saturday report, which occurred as a result of the “major IT system failure,” as the company put it. The failure also “affected the airline’s call centers.”
According to the ABC report, British Airways disclosed that “it is working to restore services, but noted that some delays and disruptions may continue into Sunday.”
The airline issued a statement via Twitter about the flight cancellations. It also posted a video statement from its CEO, Alex Cruz.
Following a major IT system failure this morning, we’ve cancelled all flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick for the rest of today. 1/2
— British Airways (@British_Airways) May 27, 2017
We’re working hard to get anyone due to fly today, onto the next available flights. Those unable to fly, will be offered a full refund. 2/2
— British Airways (@British_Airways) May 27, 2017
— British Airways (@British_Airways) May 27, 2017
The two airports also released statements of their own on the social media outlet.
UPDATE: Following a worldwide @British_Airways IT system issue, all British Airways flights pre-6pm (UTC+1) have been cancelled at Heathrow. pic.twitter.com/Ue1d6rdcHn
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) May 27, 2017
UPDATE 2 | All @British_Airways flights leaving from @HeathrowAirport this evening (UTC+1) have been cancelled after a BA IT issue. pic.twitter.com/XzQQaygYtW
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) May 27, 2017
@British_Airways has cancelled all flights today, 27 May, from Gatwick. Don’t travel to the airport if you are flying with @British_Airways
— Gatwick Airport LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) May 27, 2017
You can watch CBS News’ report above.
[image via screengrab]
