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A new computer system at the UK border is 'crashing repeatedly' leading to massive queues at Heathrow, it can be revealed.
The Home Office's £372million security database – known as Border Crossing – was rushed into use at the end of June when it was already more than three years overdue.
The latest breakdown on Sunday meant all passengers were rejected by e-gates in Heathrow arrivals halls and had to be checked manually by immigration officers, sources said. This left queues stretching for more than a quarter-of-a-mile.
Last night insiders predicted 'total chaos' at major airports later this week when the number of Britons returning from holiday reaches levels unseen since the start of the pandemic.
Major problems with the security database come just months after MPs criticised the way the project had been handled and warned that the Home Office had 'no proof' it could cope with higher numbers of passengers.
This Friday marks two weeks since most schools broke up, meaning large numbers of families will be returning after a fortnight away.
'The peak hasn't even started yet. It's going to be total chaos by the end of the week,' said one source.
'Border Crossing is falling down all the time, and when it goes down, it stays broken for days. It's particularly vulnerable when there are higher numbers of travellers.
A new computer system at the UK border is 'crashing repeatedly' leading to massive queues
