London Stansted delays as IT fault hits flights

London Stansted delays as IT fault hits flights
Credit: X/@Annemariealex

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Stansted Airport experienced severe delays and missed flights due to an IT fault, with operations now back on track, though some delays still persist.

As reported by The Standard, flights at Stansted Airport were severely disrupted due to an IT failure, leaving passengers waiting in long lines and facing cancellations and delays.

How did Stansted’s IT failure cause delays in flights?

A system malfunction disrupted check-in, baggage services, and security, resulting in hours-long lines for travellers. Despite claims from airport officials that the fault is resolved, residual delays continue to affect operations.

Visuals from the airport depict long, winding queues, with some passengers forced to wait outside just to enter the terminal.

What did Stansted Airport say after IT chaos delayed flights?

The airport authority issued an apology for the disruption. They assured that staff are actively working to ease passenger flow through the terminal. 

A spokesperson for the Stansted Airport said,

“Our teams are working hard to fully restore operations following the IT issue that impacted our systems earlier this morning.”

They added,

“While the issue has been resolved, some flights may still be subject to delays.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and advise passengers to check the status of their flights with their airlines before travelling to the airport.”

What did Anne Alexander say about the delays at Stansted Airport?

Anne Alexander, a traveller, posted her experience on X, stating,

“Some people are queuing outside just to get inside the airport terminal.”

She added,

“Some have given up and gone home as they have missed their flights. Many passengers in the queue – including me – have flights leaving in the next 15 mins. And we are still in the security queue.”

Stansted Airport history & major incidents

History

  • 1942: Opened as RAF Stansted Mountfitchet during World War II, used by the Royal Air Force and USAAF.
  • 1949: Transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, serving as a base for charter flights and training.
  • 1966: Approved for development as London’s third major airport (after Heathrow and Gatwick).
  • 1969: First commercial flights began under BAA (British Airports Authority).
  • 1991: A new terminal (designed by Norman Foster) opened, increasing capacity.
  • 2013: Sold by BAA to Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
  • 2018: Second-largest base for Ryanair, handling ~28 million passengers annually.

Incidents

  • 1978: Dan-Air Boeing 727 crash – Overran the runway due to pilot error; no fatalities.
  • 1989: British Midland Boeing 737 – Engine failure after bird strike; safe emergency landing.
  • 1999: Unaccompanied baggage explosion – Suspected IRA bomb scare; terminal evacuated.
  • 2007: Failed terrorist attack – A car loaded with gas cylinders crashed into the terminal; no explosion occurred.
  • 2010: Ash cloud disruption – Closed for days due to Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption.
  • 2014: Private jet crash – A Learjet 25 overshot the runway; no fatalities.
  • 2017-2019: Multiple drone sightings – Caused delays and diversions.
  • 2020: COVID-19 shutdown – Passenger numbers dropped by ~75% due to travel restrictions.

Flight operations & airlines

  • Ryanair’s Largest Base: Over 500 weekly flights, serving 150+ destinations (mostly Europe).
  • Other Major Airlines: Jet2, EasyJet, TUI, Pegasus Airlines, and cargo operators like FedEx & UPS.
  • Destinations: Mostly European short-haul (e.g., Dublin, Barcelona, Amsterdam), but also some long-haul charters (e.g., New York, Las Vegas).
  • Annual Flights: ~200,000 (pre-COVID).
  • Cargo Hub: Handles over 250,000 tonnes of cargo yearly

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.