Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Queues at Heathrow airport stretched out of the terminal

Serious problems with British Airways' IT systems have led to thousands of passengers having their plans disrupted, after all flights from Heathrow and Gatwick were cancelled. A spokeswoman for the airline said: “We have experienced a major IT system failure that is causing very severe disruption to our flight operations worldwide.”

“The terminals at Heathrow and Gatwick have become extremely congested and we have cancelled all flights from Heathrow and Gatwick before 6pm UK time today, so please do not come to the airports,” the airline continued. “We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience this is causing our customers and we are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Travellers have been told to check the airline website and twitter account for updates about the situation. @British_Airways Captain describes IT problem as ‘catastrophic’.”

London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest, said it was working with BA and advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling.
British Airways cancels all flights from Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport amid a "major IT system failure", that is causing severe disruption to flight operations worldwide.