US airports experience 'nationwide system shutdown'

The US Customs and Border Protection computer system is experiencing a "nationwide" shutdown, according to tweets from two major American airports.

The shutdown was confirmed by John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, and by Los Angeles International Airport. Massive lines have been reported by travellers entering the US.

"Just to let you know Customs is experiencing a system shutdown nationwide," the New York airport's Twitter account wrote in a reply to a customer. "They are processing passengers manually until the system comes back online. Thanks for your patience."

The Los Angeles airport, also through its Twitter account, suggested that passengers check in with their airlines for the most up to date travel information

"Please check with your airline fo the latest status of any flight impacts," the account wrote.

The computer system shutdowns have led to massive lines for people going through customs, with one user posting a video of such a line at JFK.

"I'm in the global entry line and the regular line has several hundred if not thousands in it," Twittter user Sarah Baird wrote in a tweet.

"People are getting frustrated. Nothing like landing after a 10 hour flight to this," the Twitter user wrote.

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Patrol said he is aware of reports that the customs system is down, and that the agency is looking into the matter.