Computer check-in system crash causes chaos in airports worldwide
Air travellers around the world have suffered major disruptions after the widely used computer check-in system 'Amadeus Altea' crashed. Issues have been reported at major airports in London, Paris, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Singapore and Washington, DC. Travellers have experienced long waits at check-in desks. Amadeus that provides the Altea software, used by around 125 airlines, has confirmed a "network issue that is causing disruption."
@British_Airways are you having problems? Impossible to log in and check in online! #BAFail pic.twitter.com/6H9E8Cf8hd
— Morten Petersen (@_mortenp) September 28, 2017
London's Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest, said in a statement that airlines have been facing problems in check-in systems at three of its terminals. The Gatwick Airport in London said: "This is an airline issue, not an airport issue," adding that it has affected companies using the Altea software. Meanwhile, angry travellers at various worldwide posted photos of long queues.
A check-in software helps airlines manage reservations and check-in of flight travellers at the airport. "Technical teams are working on the problem, services are gradually being restored," said Amadeus, the company that provides the Altea software, in a statement. Normal service has reportedly been resumed but the delays may lead to lost baggage and missed connecting flights. Affected travellers can expect compensation from airlines.
