Heathrow Airport passengers have vented their fury at “gross” and “never ending” delays at security today – just days after flights were impacted by substantial delays due to the European heatwave. Travellers hoping for a stress-free start to a Monday were sorely disappointed as they waited in line with their hand luggage. The UK’s biggest and busiest transport terminal proceeded to apologise for the delays – but for some that was not good enough. The frustration came after days smattered with flight delays and disruptions, which UK airports put down to the searing temperatures worldwide.
Today, one traveller took to Twitter to moan: “Your security system is definitely the worst I ever saw.
“Never travelling through this airport again. Rude, gross, never ending.”
Another put: “Queues for security at connections is shocking…sort it out.”
The airport acknowledged the situation on its own Twitter account and promised action would be taken.
It stated: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.
“We are aware of the long delays currently and are working with security to reduce these as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Last week, Express.co.uk reported of the chaos at Heathrow, Gatwick and stagnated airports due to extreme heat and thunderstorms.
Airline British Airways cancelled around 30 flights out of Heathrow Airport as temperatures of 36.9C was recorded at the hub, making it the new July record for the UK.
A Heathrow spokesperson told Express.co..uk: “We are aware that NATS – the air traffic control service – is currently experiencing a technical issue with their systems that is affecting some airspace in the UK.
“Flights are currently arriving and departing at Heathrow, and we are supporting NATS to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologise to passengers for any disruption that occurs as a result.”
Heathrow also tweeted to apologise for any disturbance: “Extreme weather conditions across Europe have caused delays/cancellations at Heathrow & other airports. Please check with your airline before travelling.
“We’re sorry for the disruption & are working with our airline partners to keep passengers travelling.”
A BA spokesperson added: ““Our teams have been apologising to customers for the inconvenience and doing what they can to look after them, providing refreshment vouchers and hotel accommodation for those already at the airport and as much information as possible on the delays or cancellations, which have been caused by thunderstorms following the extreme heat.”
Meanwhile further disruption could unfold next month, with a strike by airport staff.
Heathrow confirmed it was still awaiting the results of a ballot, due on August 2, to ascertain whether a walkout will go ahead on August 6.
Express.co.uk has gone to Heathrow Airport for comment on today’s disruption.
