A Heathrow representative stated: “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience passengers have experienced this weekend.
Hundreds of passengers were forced to wait approximately three hours to retrieve their luggage over the weekend, with no explanation from staff.
Hundreds of travelers waited approximately three hours over the weekend to retrieve their luggage due to problems with the baggage system, with no explanation from staff.
It is unknown how many airlines will comply with the request, but it is anticipated that thousands of passengers will be affected.
Virgin Atlantic, Flybe, Air France, Air Canada, TAP Portugal, Loganair, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Brussels Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Aer Lingus, ITA Airlines, Eurowings, Lufthansa, KLM, and Bulgaria Air have all canceled flights today.
“Due to the technical issues with the baggage systems, we have decided to request that airlines operating in Terminals 2 and 3 consolidate their schedules on Monday, June 20.
This will allow us to minimize the ongoing impact, and we ask that all passengers contact their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information.
Heathrow, along with airports and airlines across the country, is experiencing staff shortages during the busiest time of the year, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights in recent weeks.
On Friday, a “huge luggage carpet” was spotted outside a Heathrow terminal as employees struggled with an “ongoing baggage system issue.”
According to travelers who spoke over the weekend, there were long lines at border control upon arrival and large crowds at baggage claim.
Some passengers had to travel without their personal belongings.
While apologizing to customers for failing to “deliver the service they have come to expect from us,” easyJet announced plans to cut additional flights during the busy summer season.
Several flights into and out of Gatwick will be canceled in response to the airport’s announcement last week that it would implement flight caps in July and August to help it cope with a staff shortage.
Increased turnaround times, flight delays, and cancellations have been attributed to staff shortages in ground handling and airports, as well as air traffic control delays.
