American Airlines operations returning to normal after widespread computer outage

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"American Airlines Recovers from Flight Information System Outage"

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American Airlines experienced a significant operational disruption due to a widespread outage of its flight information computer system, affecting multiple airports. The airline acknowledged the issue in a statement, referring to it as a 'technology issue' that was impacting connectivity for various systems critical to flight operations. Passengers faced delays as the airline worked to resolve the situation, although no flights had been canceled at that time. Reports indicated that the outage affected key functions such as flight bookings, check-in, ticketing, and baggage tagging, leading to considerable frustration among travelers. For instance, a passenger in Arizona reported being stuck on an airplane prior to takeoff due to the failure of the electronic maintenance system, which prevented the crew from completing necessary checks. Similarly, another passenger in Charlotte who was scheduled to depart at 1 p.m. reported being grounded for nearly two hours due to the 'main system' going down.

By approximately 2:45 p.m. ET, American Airlines communicated that the systems were gradually coming back online, though travelers were advised to expect slight delays as operations normalized. Data from FlightAware indicated that by 2:30 p.m. ET, around 21% of American Airlines flights were delayed, with a small percentage canceled, while the airline's subsidiary, PSA Airlines, reported even higher rates of delays and cancellations. Airport officials at Miami International Airport confirmed they were notified about the issue shortly after 2 p.m. and were awaiting further details on its impact. The Federal Aviation Administration and officials at other major airports, including those in Chicago and Dallas, directed inquiries back to American Airlines as the situation unfolded. The airline issued an apology to customers for the disruptions they experienced, emphasizing its commitment to resolving the issue as quickly as possible.

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American Airlines suffered a widespread outage with its flight information computer system, authorities with two affected airports told CNN.

In a statement to CNN, American Airlines said a “technology issue” was “affecting connectivity” for some of its systems.

“We are working with our partners to fully resolve the issue,” the airline said. “Though we are experiencing delays as a result, we have not canceled any flights at this time.”

A source from one affected airport told CNN the airline had sent messages indicating problems for at least two hours with the system that handles flight bookings, check-in, ticketing and baggage tagging, along with other functions. The source said American sent communications just before 2:45 p.m. ET stating the systems were coming back online and to expect “slight delays as they work towards normal operations.”

Airport officials at Miami International Airport said they were notified about the problem just after 2 p.m. Friday.

“We have been just notified about that. We’re waiting to hear if any sites have been impacted yet,” said Greg Chin, communications director at Miami International Airport.

The full impacts on flights and passengers were not yet clear Friday afternoon.

One passenger in Arizona told CNN he was stuck on an airplane before takeoff. “The flight was supposed to takeoff at 10:22 (a.m. MT), the app now says 11:30 (a.m. MT), but that’s just a place holder. Pilot came on and said that AA’s electronic maintenance system is down and they can’t input whatever work was done on the plane and then accept it so therefore we’re stuck until that system comes back up,” Jason Hass said.

A passenger in Charlotte who was scheduled to leave at 1 p.m., told CNN they were about to take off just before 3 p.m. The passenger, John Noona, told CNN airline officials said the “main system” had gone down. He added he had been stuck on the ground for nearly two hours.

The Federal Aviation Administration, as well as officials at airports in Chicago and Dallas, referred questions to the airline.

At 2:30 p.m. ET,flight data tracker FlightAwareshowed 21% of American Airlines flights delayed and 2% canceled. American’s wholly-owned subsidiary PSA Airlines had 27% of flights delayed and 11% were canceled Friday.

“We apologize to our customers for their experience,” the airline said in a statement.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Ed Lavandera, Bill Kirkos and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.

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Source: CNN