FAA Computer Glitch Fixed, Flight Delays Still Expected

Waiting The Federal Aviation Administration has fixed a major computer glitch that caused flight delays throughout the morning, but officials expect the logjam to last into the afternoon.

This is the second time in the last 15 months that an FAA computer glitch has led to extensive delays nationwide. Keep reading to find out what may have caused this problem …

Officials say the glitch started shortly after 5 a.m. at a computer center in Salt Lake City when a system known as the National Airspace Data Interchange Network failed. This forced flight controllers to input flight plans manually, which in turn caused the delays. The malfunction did not affect air traffic control systems and posed no threat to safety.

Airports in the Eastern U.S. were hit particularly hard. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw delays topping five hours while La Guardia Airport in New York and Philadelphia International Airport each faced holdups of more than an hour.

Find out how you can find airports with fewer delays.

The computer failure will likely create a domino effect of problems throughout the country, according to a statement released by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Delays Chicago’s O’Hare International is already dealing with 20 minute delays and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will likely start experiencing the ripple effect around noon.

In August of 2008, a similar computer glitch caused major delays nationwide. This latest snafu has many people pointing fingers, with Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) leading the way. Schumer said in a statement that the current system is a flop and the FAA will continue to experience these glitches until they receive more resources.

According to FlightStats.com, Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways and JetBlue appear to be the airlines most affected by the glitch. Passengers should check the status of their flights online or over the phone before heading out to the airport.

By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related Links: NATCA Press Release, Wall Street Journal, MSNBC

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margaretomagee

I was to fly from RDU to PHL this afternoon and because of the FAA computer glitch my flight was cancelled. I am now scheduled to fly at 7:00AM tomorrow and I am already expecting the worst. I called as soon as my flight was cancelled and was unable to get on any of the remaining flights for today. I had to pay for premium seats unless I want to sit in row 20 or a middle seat. I have lost a day of my long weekend and will be unable to see my grandchildren for dinner tonight as planned. Flying is so expensive, you are nickled and dimed for every little thing. I noticed today that the luggage weight restriction has been reduced to 40 lbs rather than 50. If I didn't live more than 10 hours by car I would drive rather than put up with the hastles and growing expenses. It really seems like fines and fees are a one way street directed at the consumer. I thought I had a contract to be flown to PHL today. If the FAA and USAirway couldn't fulfill the contract I would think some concession would be made to the consumer for the interruption to their plans. Have things really gotten this bad.

I plan to drive to Cleveland for Thanksgiving rather than fly during a time that is expected to be full of delays and lost luggage. In closing, rather than just venting, my question to you is can the FAA be expected to provide some sort of restitution for the delays and inconvenience?

I enjoy seeing you on the Today SHow and reading your articles. Wish travel was always so glamorous.