British Airways flights 'grounded' and phone lines down in 'IT system failure'

flights were "grounded" as its phone lines went down in an "IT system failure".

Ben Clatworthy, transport and travel correspondent for the Times, posted to social media website X saying flights are "unable to take off".

He said: "BREAKING: Understand that @British_Airways IT systems have failed with planes unable to take off, phone lines down and pilots in the dark. Source says queues building at Heathrow Terminal 5 #aviation #BA #travel."

A spokesperson told the Express: "We are aware of a technical issue that British Airways are investigating and we will be working with them to provide updates to passengers as soon as they are available. Heathrow's systems are operating as normal."

A spokesperson for British Airways added: "Our flights are currently operating, but are experiencing delays as our teams work to resolve a technical issue affecting some of our systems."

A number of people took to social media to complain about being stranded.

One person said on X: "Correct. BA 535 stuck on tarmac at Naples. Pilot hasn't received load sheet and unable to communicate with Heathrow as internal phones are down."

Another added: "At MAN airport, minutes before boarding to LHR, they've announced the issue. Let's hope for the best."

A third wrote: "Absolute shambles three flights cancelled this month and now being made to stand on the tarmac in a very cold Verona waiting for an already delayed flight. What has happened to the nations airline? Not fit for purpose."

Another said: "British Airways appear to have had a major IT outage...again.

"Flight currently grounded, captain currently furious. Sass flying at about 45,000 feet as he gives fantastic passive aggressive updates. He can't get hold of anyone for an update @British_Airways can you help?"

On X flight tracking app Flight Emergency said: "British Airways have lost all Communications to aircraft around Europe due to an IT outage, flights will be managed by Heathrow air traffic control to get inbound flights back to base."

Reports suggested that an IT issue prevented pilots from filing flight plans electronically, forcing them to call the operations centre at Heathrow manually.

Passengers first began reporting disruptions at around 5pm on Monday, with some claiming planes were still waiting for clearance to take off.

Pilots were reportedly keeping passengers updated on the situation, while BA's website appears to be inaccessible.

A message on the site read: "We are experiencing high demand on ba.com at the moment."