Mass Flight Delays Linked to Computer Glitch

According to the FAA, flight delays across the country on Monday morning were the result of computer issues affecting several airlines. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue each reported substantial flight disruptions. The computer troubles were resolved by late morning, but by then, thousands of passengers had been delayed.

Monday morning wasn’t a good time to be at the airport. At least six major U.S. airlines reported substantial delays as the result of a computer issue. The problem was reportedly resolved by 9:40 am EDT, but not before more than 3,500 flights were delayed – in some cases, by more than an hour.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a traveler alert, warning passengers that the issue was affecting multiple carriers. The regulatory agency said that it was up to individual airlines to decide whether to institute a ground stop during the computer outage.

“Several U.S. #airlines are experiencing computer issues this morning,” the FAA warned in an early Monday morning Twitter alert. “Please contact your airline directly for flight information and updates. The #FAA does not cancel flights. #FlySmart.”

#Traveler Alert✈️: Several U.S. #airlines are experiencing computer issues this morning. Please contact your airline directly for flight information and updates. The #FAA does not cancel flights. #FlySmart pic.twitter.com/5x4U3f6ogu

— The FAA (@FAANews) April 1, 2019

According to the Daily Mail, widespread computer troubles were related to an automated load plan reporting service. A glitch with the Aerodata weight and balance software forced some of the carriers to briefly halt operations. Southwest Airlines said a 40-minute-long ground stop was instituted as a result of the unexpected crash of the flight planning system. Other major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue, reported delays throughout their networks.

“AeroData is currently experiencing a technical issue that is impacting multiple carriers,” American Airlines officials announced in a 4:27 am EDT alert to passengers. “We appreciate your patience during the wait.”

AeroData is currently experiencing a technical issue that is impacting multiple carriers. We appreciate your patience during the wait.

— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) April 1, 2019

[Image Source: Shutterstock]