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Storm causes power outage at Luton Airport, hundreds delayed
Flash floods during a thunderstorm caused a power outage at Luton Airport’s passport control yesterday, causing long delays in processing passengers.
Reports say hundreds of passengers were held up as more than 1,500 had just landed at the airport when a power surge caused the computer glitch.
A back-up system was eventually put in place to process passengers, but knock on delays were expected throughout yesterday evening.
Luton Airport tweeted: "Owing to the earlier power outage, back-up system in use at Passport Control. Checks are taking longer. We’ll get you through as soon as possible."
It later added: "Systems up and operating now. Apologies for the delays, passport control will get you through as soon as they can."
The thunderstorm also caused some flight delays at Gatwick Airport yesterday.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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