The Unanticipated E-Gate Malfunction: A Nationwide Concern

An unexpected technical hiccup has led to electronic gates (e-gates) malfunctioning across UK airports, causing substantial delays. The problem, which surfaced late on Friday, has necessitated the manual processing of passengers through staffed passport desks, replacing the typical automated system. This unfortunate event coincides with a surge in traffic congestion on highways and at Dover, courtesy of the bank holiday exodus.

Heathrow Airport: Collaborative Efforts to Resolve the Issue

Heathrow Airport has recognised the problem impacting its passengers. The airport clarified that the e-gates are under the management of Border Force and that the issue is not exclusive to Heathrow but is affecting airports and ports nationwide. Heathrow stated: "Our teams are working hand in hand with Border Force to expedite the resolution of this issue. We have mobilised additional staff to manage queues and ensure passenger comfort. We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to passengers."

The Home Office: Acknowledging and Addressing the Delays

The Home Office has also recognised the delays for arrivals in the UK. A spokesperson stated: "We are aware of a nationwide issue with the border system affecting arrivals into the UK. We are working tirelessly to rectify the issue and are coordinating with port operators and airlines to minimise disruption for travellers."

Passenger Frustration: The Social Media Outcry

Passengers have taken to social media platforms like Twitter to voice their frustration. Reports of four-hour waits in queues at Heathrow have surfaced, with others describing encountering the "mother of all queues" for manual passport checks. Tweets about landing amidst "scenes of utter chaos," with two-hour queues just to join the actual queue due to the malfunctioning gates, have also been shared.

The UK Border: A Look at the eGates

The UK border boasts over 270 eGates, which British and EU citizens can use over the age of 12, and individuals from several other countries, including Australia, Canada, the US, Japan, and New Zealand.

Road Travellers: Bracing for Long Queues

Road travellers are also preparing for lengthy queues throughout the weekend. According to transport data company Inrix, journeys on certain sections of the M25 could take up to three times longer than usual. Significant delays are also anticipated on the M5 in Somerset and the M6 in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

The RAC's Estimates: A Busy Weekend Ahead

The RAC estimates that drivers across the UK will undertake 19.2 million leisure car trips between Friday and Monday, with the hottest day of the year predicted for Sunday. Ferry passengers through Dover have been advised to allow two hours for border controls and check-in, even before the e-gate issues surfaced.

The DFDS Ferry Company: Advising Passengers

The DFDS ferry company advised passengers via Twitter to come prepared with refreshments and to use facilities before arriving at the port.

The Port of Dover: Attributing Delays to IT Issues

The Port of Dover attributed delays at French border control to "IT issues" and "high volumes of tourist and freight traffic on port approaches."

Travellers' Reactions: Frustration and Acceptance

Despite the frustration, some travellers are taking the situation in stride. One group of people queuing at Dover told Sky News that they had missed their ferry due to the queues and were waiting to see if they could board a later sailing. "It's frustrating, but it is what it is," they said.

The RAC's Advice: Best Strategies to Avoid Delays

The RAC anticipates the busiest weekend of traffic since before the pandemic. Spokesman Rod Dennis advised, "Departing early in the morning or postponing trips until the evening is the best strategy to evade the inevitable delays."

The Silver Lining: Warm Weather for the Stay-at-Home Crowd

While travellers grapple with queues, those staying home for the long weekend can look forward to some of the year's warmest weather. Southeast Wales and the area around the Bristol Channel are expected to enjoy the best of the weather, with temperatures reaching up to 24C on Saturday and Sunday. Other parts of the UK could see temperatures in the high teens and low 20s. The forecast for most of the UK is dry and bright weather, with little rain expected throughout the next week during half term.

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