UK electronic passport gate failure clogs border control at Heathrow

LONDON: Electronic passport gates at Britain's airports failed on Friday, causing chaos at London's Heathrow, where long queues filled immigration halls and some passengers were detained on aircraft until space inside was available.

Britain's interior ministry said a technical issue had affected e-gates at a number of ports of entry.

"The issue was quickly identified and has now been resolved," it said in a statement.