SEVERAL British Airways flights have been grounded after an IT meltdown leaving thousands stranded.
Passengers began reporting issues at around 5pm with many stuck onboard BA planes waiting for clearance to take off.
The issue was reportedly caused by an IT glitch which impacted the company’s software.
It meant that pilots could not file flight plans electronically and as a result had to manually call Heathrow Airport.
The airline’s website was also offline as well as external and internal phone lines being cut off.
A message read: “We are experiencing high demand on ba.com at the moment.”
Have you been impacted? Contact: Jonathan.Rose@thesun.co.uk
According to DownDetector, more than 500 users reported issues with the page.
Flight Emergency posted on X: “British Airways have lost all Communications to aircraft around Europe due to an IT outage.
“Flights will be managed by Heathrow air traffic control to get inbound flights back to base.”
Some customers took to social media to express their frustration.
One wrote: “British Airways appear to have had a major IT outage…again.
“Flight currently grounded, captain currently furious. Sass flying at about 45,000 feet as he gives fantastic passive aggressive updates.
“He can’t get hold of anyone for an update @British_Airways
can you help?”
Another said: “Absolute shambles three flights cancelled this month and now being made to stand on the tarmac in a very cold Verona waiting for an already delayed flight.
“What has happened to the nation’s airline? Not fit for purpose.”
Ulrik Bengtsson told The Sun: “I am on a plane in Johannesburg. They have no communication systems working.
“All planes around the world are grounded. Cannot even contact HQ.”
A BA spokesperson said: “Our flights are currently operating, but are experiencing delays as our teams work to resolve a technical issue affecting some of our systems.”
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “We are aware of a technical issue that British Airways are investigating and we will be working with them to provide updates with passengers as soon as they are available.
“Heathrow’s systems are operating as normal.”
