Worries of delays as system error impacts Australian airports

Airports across the country have been hit by a major IT outage which is causing significant delays for international travellers.

Travellers are concerned about potential delays at some Australian airports as a system error impacts airports nationwide.

Border Force has confirmed that its Advanced Passenger Processing (APP) systems, an interface between an airline’s Departure Control System and the ABF immigration databases, is experiencing an IT outage.

“The Australian Border Force (ABF) can confirm our service provider who manages the Advanced Passenger Processing systems is experiencing an IT outage,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

We have been advised that the issue with the Advanced Passenger Processing Network is not having the same impact at BNE as in other airports, however we are monitoring the situation. Please contact your airline for up-to-date flight information.

— Brisbane Airport ✈️ (@BrisbaneAirport) July 6, 2023

“The system outage is affecting the APP in all international check-in points.

“We are working with the service provider to assist with resolving the matter urgently.

“The ABF will revert to manual processing of passengers where applicable.”

Delays of up to one hour were understood to be possible at some locations for international travellers.

It’s unclear at this stage if or how badly Australian airports have been affected by the outage.

Brisbane Airport told one concerned customer on Twitter that it was “monitoring the situation”.

“We have been advised that the issue with the Advanced Passenger Processing Network is not having the same impact at BNE as in other airports, however we are monitoring the situation. Please contact your airline for up-to-date flight information,” it said.