Hundreds of flights across the US have been grounded after a technical glitch in the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer system.
The system, which is a notification tool to alert pilots regarding hazards along a flight route, was not able to process updated information as a result.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The aviation regulator has not specified a timeframe as to when the Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAM) glitch will be resolved.
On its website, the FAA said that it is working to restore the system and halted all domestic flight departures until 9am Eastern Time.
Passengers on social media sites reported delays and outages on flights across the US from Hawaii to Washington.
The agency said on Twitter: “The FAA is working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System. We are performing final validation checks and reloading the system now.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“Operations across the National Airspace System are affected. We will provide frequent updates as we make progress.
“The FAA has ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9am Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.”
Commenting on the outage, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted: “There is no evidence of a cyberattack at this point, but the President directed DOT to conduct a full investigation into the causes.”
Meanwhile, in another recent development, the agency proposed a rule that will mandate aircraft manufacturers as well as charter, commuter and air tour operators to deploy a critical safety tool.
The Safety Management System (SMS) programme comprises a set of policies to help firms detect and address potential operational risks early on.
US airlines have been required to implement SMS since 2018.
Acting FAA administrator Billy Nolen said: “Expanding safety management systems to other players in the aviation industry will reduce accidents and incidents and save lives.
“As safe and efficient as our system is today, we must always strive to achieve the next level of safety.”
