Stansted Airport delays: Hundreds miss flights after faulty X-rays cause scenes like 'zombie apocalypse'

Queues: A fault with security scanners at Stansted Airport caused long delays
@mttr0/PA
Tom Powell9 May 2017

Hundreds of passengers missed their flights at Stansted airport on Tuesday morning after a “technical issue” sparked severe delays.

A problem with a number of X-rays in the airport’s main security area left frustrated holidaymakers queuing for hours.

Pictures showed swarms of people stuck in holding areas, with one passenger likening the scene to a “zombie apocalypse”.

Many took to social media to criticise the delays, with one user, called David, writing: “Nice job @STN_Airport; a man fainted and wheelchair passengers cannot get through.

"Playing dance with somebody isn't helping. #stansted.”

Another posted a photo of the huge passenger tailbacks with the caption: “All these people missed their flights due Stansted Airport delay (sic).”

Anton Nello added: “What a joke! Disgusting service.”

Stansted Airport apologised to affected passengers and confirmed the problems had been rectified by 10.30am.

A spokesman said: “Due to a technical issue earlier this morning with a number of X-ray machines in the main security area, throughput capacity was reduced, taking extra time to process passengers.

“Engineers rectified the issue and additional measures were put in place to minimise the impact to passengers and assist them with their onward journey.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. The area has now returned to normal.”

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