“A major IT system failure” caused the cancelation of all British Airways flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick, London yesterday and through this Sunday morning, causing the airports to become severely congested and affecting thousands of travelers. British Airways operates direct flights from London to Costa Rica

All checking and operational systems were affected by what they believe was a “power supply issue”. The failure was apparently corrected this Sunday, and the airline stated through their social media they expect to operate a “near normal schedule” at the Gatwick airport and they hoped to operate the majority of the scheduled flights from Heathrow .

Through their twitter account British Airways stated earlier today:

“Please don’t travel to the airport today, 28 May, unless you have a confirmed booking”

This incident occurs at a delicate moment for the British airline that has been object of criticism recently due to cost reduction policies it has taken to compete with other airlines.

Monday is a festive holiday in London and therefore many people had made travelling arrangements for this weekend.

British Airways offered to accommodate passengers in other flights and dates or offer a full refund.

This is considered one of the worst technology failures to strike a global airline. In 2016 it was Delta Airlines that suffered a similar problem causing close to 2,300 flights to be cancelled.

British Airways operates direct flights from Gatwick Airport to San José, Costa Rica, flying two times a week during the summer months (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and three times a week in the winter (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).

It is expected that the flights scheduled for this coming week suffer delays or cancellations, travelers are advised to check their booking with the airline before heading to the airport.

Just two days ago the Gatwick Airport faced a problem with the baggage sortation system and several flights had to leave without the passengers’ bags.