20,000 bags stranded after technical issue at major airport leaves travelers scrambling

The disruption occurred last Friday at Heathrow's Terminal 5, British Airways' main hub, after what airport officials described as a technical issue involving the baggage system.

An estimated 20,000 bags failed to reach their intended destinations, the outlet noted.

Fox News Digital reached out to both Heathrow Airport and British Airways. The airline confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital.

"While Heathrow Airport's baggage system is back up and running, some customers who traveled last Friday remain without their bags due to the system's instability as delayed bags are loaded in," the airline said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Some passengers reportedly waited hours for their luggage, while others left the airport without their belongings altogether.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital that Heathrow already provides airlines with rebates when monthly service targets are missed.

Still, he said any type of direct compensation disputes between airports and airlines over operational failures are relatively uncommon. 

Earlier baggage disruptions at Heathrow this year affected roughly 7,000 bags during one incident in February and another 4,000 around Easter, Leff said - adding that the airport apologized but did not reportedly provide compensation.

"Ruined my whole trip," one TikTok user wrote. 

"I'm back home and still have no bag."

One traveler mentioned spending hundreds of dollars replacing clothes and necessities after arriving without luggage.

"This is exactly why I only bring a carry-on," one traveler commented.