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 Frankfurt airport showed reports to the Reuters News Agency, saying: “Lately there is a national PC outage,” adding that the cause is 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.
According to multiple reports, passengers are currently experiencing long queues trying to enter the country as a result of the issue.
The agents will have to make a passport and visa checks manually, which has led to “a building on hold and arrears,” said a federal police spokesman.
Flights without visa from the Schengen region to Europe are experiencing less problems to the spokesman.
Public news broadcaster WDR said the challenge affected passengers arriving in Germany from non-Schengen countries, passengers had to on planes in some cases.
A Düsseldorf airport spokesperson confirmed the airport is facing similar issues.
“We can confirm that since around 2 p.m. (1300 GMT) today, there have been disruptions to border control for flights to and from the non-Schengen area,” he said, adding passengers are being provided with water.
Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest hub, said its flight schedule is currently unaffected by the problem, but added entry into Germany may be delayed for some.
The spokesman for Berlin-Brandenburg airport said that even if they were experiencing delays, there is no order to prevent other people from entering or prevent planes from landing.
FTM/AB (DPA, Reuters)