Border Force has released an update amid passenger delays due to disruptions with e-gates at several UK airports today.

The IT failure disrupting self-service passport gates delayed passengers arriving at airports across the UK.

Amongst the airports that have reported problems with e-gates are Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.

A spokesperson for the Home Office told Sky News: "This afternoon a technical issue affected eGates at a number of ports. The issue was quickly identified and has now been resolved."

"We have been working hard to minimise disruption, and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused," the Home Office continued.

Heathrow Airport said: “We’re aware of a systems failure impacting the e-gates, which are staffed and operated by Border Force.

“This issue is impacting a number of ports of entry and is not an isolated issue at Heathrow. Our teams are working with Border Force to find a solution as quickly as possible.”

Passengers with biometric passports are able to pass through border control via the gates without a manual inspection.

Edinburgh Airport said: “The UK Border Force (UKBF) IT issue is nationwide and UKBF teams are working to resolve this.

“All available UKBF staff are in the arrivals hall to carry out necessary checks and allow passengers to pass through the border as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.”

How passengers have reacted to the issue

Documentary maker Louis Theroux was among those forced to wait in long queues at the west London airport.

He wrote on Twitter: “Human logjam at Heathrow – apparently all the e gates at all the airports are down? That’s what the man just said.”

Another passenger tweeted: “Current situation at Heathrow, after being stuck for an hour inside the aircraft…@HeathrowAirport E-Gates are currently not working…”

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