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Thousands of British Airways passengers are now scrambling for somewhere to stay after a global computer system crash left them stranded ahead of the busy Bank holiday weekend. BA said a 'power supply issue' was the reason why all flights from Heathrow and Gatwick were cancelled for the rest of the day.

Chief executive Alex Cruz said the crash affected all check-in and operational systems, adding: 'We believe the root cause was a power-supply issue and we have no evidence of any cyber attack.' 

Earlier, the airline said flights would be running after 6pm - meaning passengers turning up for their evening journeys now face a mad scramble to book overnight hotel stays or organise transport back home.

Furious fliers around the world have been warned to expect days of chaos after enduring hours stuck in 'huge' check-in lines before being turned away.