Computer outage at customs causes major travel headache at JFK Airport

JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) -- Computer issues at U.S. Customs and Border protection at JFK Airport caused lines and major headaches for international travelers arriving in the U.S.

Travelers experienced delays of up to two hours in the international arrivals area.

Customs and Border Protection released a statement saying,

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection experienced a temporary outage with its processing systems at various airports today beginning at 7:30 pm and ending approximately 9:30 pm. All airports are currently back on line."

A spokeswoman for the agency says the delay forced Customs and Border Protection officers to process arriving passengers using backup procedures at some airports.

Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Gabris says the disruption in processing did not affect the standards for security screening and is not believed to be malicious in nature.

(Some information from the Associated Press.)