Work is now underway to transport luggage as quickly as possible to reunite passengers with their belongings
Holidaymakers are ‘fuming’ after being forced to travel without luggage due to a system fault at Heathrow Airport. Chaos broke out when hundreds of bags transported by British Airways failed to depart Terminal 5 throughout yesterday (Friday, May 15).
Photos show piles of abandoned suitcases lined up in the drop-off and pick-up areas waiting to be reunited with their owners. Many people had to stand around awaiting information for several hours, according to social media, whilst some even headed to their destinations sans belongings.
One disgruntled online commenter called the wait ‘completely unacceptable’, writing: “My elderly mother and sister are there and being told of a five hour delay – in an area with no seats or access to food or drink.” Airport staff were later pictured handing out bottles of water.
“No staff available to advise, baggage system failure – five hours waiting with no luggage or updates. Gave up and went home. Lack of communication frustrating – passengers deserve clear info on timings,” a second X user penned.
A third added: “Caught up in the luggage chaos at Heathrow yesterday and now in Boston without my luggage…Air tag shows case still at Terminal 5. Why is nothing being done?”
The baggage system is back up and running as of this afternoon (Saturday, May 16), but customers will see an ongoing impact, British Airways told MyLondon. Work is now underway to transport luggage as quickly as possible.
“Whilst this issue is entirely out of our control, we’re sorry to our customers for any inconvenience caused,” a spokesperson added. More staff have been brought in to help ease the operational problems caused.
It is currently unclear how many passengers have been affected but it’s likely to be several thousands. Passengers are able to check in as normal today, Heathrow Airport confirmed.
“Due to a technical fault yesterday, some baggage did not depart Terminal 5 as planned and we apologise for any disruption this may have caused, a spokesperson said.
They continued: “The issue has been fixed and passengers are checking in as normal today. We will continue to support British Airways to ensure any missed bags are resent as quickly as possible.”
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