As the massive luggage queue at Heathrow airport continues to increase as a result of a “problem with the baggage system,” travelers have been advised that they could not see their bags again for several days.
Just hours after Heathrow’s top executive stated travelers were only experiencing “minimal” delays, staggering photographs reveal how hundreds of bags are packed up in what witnesses characterized as a “luggage carpet” at one of the site’s terminals.
Customers were reportedly advised it could take two days before they are reunited with their goods. Bosses apologized to them and said the disruption was caused by a ‘technical issue’ with the baggage system, which they believe has since been fixed.
It comes as airport visitors today also voiced complaints about long lines, crowded shuttle buses, and protracted wait times to switch terminals.
After arriving at Heathrow last night by plane and witnessing the chaos, Sky News military and security correspondent Deborah Haynes told the website: “When I went outside I could see this wild mass of suitcases filling the pavement like a giant luggage carpet.”
‘I’ve never seen anything like it. Though it did seem to be trying to be organized chaos.
‘Officials looked to be trying to arrange the suitcases next to poles with letters from the alphabet stuck on them – maybe it was to correspond with the name of the owner of each bag. It looked to be an epic task.’
It is the most recent instance of turmoil at British airports, which have been beset for several weeks by personnel shortages and excruciatingly long lines.
And there are worries that the worst may still be to come when kids finish up school for the summer and millions of families start looking into booking international flights for vacations.
Today, a Heathrow representative told MailOnline that the Terminal 2 luggage system’s technical problem from yesterday had been fixed.
‘Passengers are now able to check in as normal, but a number of passengers who departed from Terminal 2 yesterday may have traveled without their luggage.
‘We are working closely with airlines to reunite passengers with their luggage as soon as possible.
‘We’re sorry there’s been disruption to passenger journeys.’
The mayhem this morning also affected BBC sports broadcaster Mark Clemmit, who shared many pictures on social media.
He tweeted: ‘It’s official @HeathrowAirport. You are official #LostThePlot. Hoping to see you later #Toronto. But no guarantees.’
Photo cover via Twitter: @MarkClemmit
