Germany: Airport border controls hit by IT outage

German Federal Police said they were experiencing country-wide tech problems, causing severe delays at airport border controls. Non-Schengen passengers are the most affected.    

Germany: Airport border controls hit by IT outage

German Federal Police said they were experiencing country-wide tech problems, causing severe delays at airport border controls. Non-Schengen passengers are 

Travelers from non-Schengen countries were reportedly the most affected

IT systems used by Germany’s Federal Police at the country’s airports were experiencing major issues on Friday, German tabloid Bild reported.

A spokesperson for the Frankfurt Airport confirmed the reports to Reuters news agency, saying: “There is currently a nationwide IT disruption,” adding that the cause was still unknown.

Bild later reported that the problem had been fixed after several hours and the federal police’s system was once again fully functioning, citing a federal police spokesperson.

IT outage leads to long queues

According to multiple reports, passengers are currently experiencing long queues trying to enter the country as a result of the issue.

Officers currently have to carry out passport and visa checks manually, which has led to “increased waiting times and backlogs,” a federal police spokesperson said.

Flights from within Europe’s visa-free Schengen Area are experiencing fewer issues, according to the spokesperson.

Public news broadcaster WDR reported that the problem was affecting passengers arriving in Germany from non-Schengen countries, with passengers having to stay on the plane in some cases.

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