A computer glitch at LAX over the weekend resulted in mayhem for thousands of passengers.

Approximately 17,000 passengers were delayed when a computer that checks the security background of foreigners went down, reports the LA Times.

On the computer that went down is a list of those who should be subject to more checks and searches than usual when entering the US.

Almost 25,000 international passengers arrived at the airport while the computer was down.

There were 16 arriving flights and ten departing flights affected by the computer error.

Peter Gordon, acting port director for the customs agency, told the paper: "This is probably one of the worst days we've had.

"I've been with the agency for 30 years and I've never seen the system go down and stay down for as long as it did."

Overall, the malfunction lasted for a total of ten hours.

LA's mayor, Anthony Villaraigosa, has called for an investigation into the incident.