Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
FAA glitch causes widespread US air travel delays
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
FAA glitch causes widespread US air travel delays
By HARRY R. WEBER,AP Airlines Writer -
2 hours 45 minutes ago
Send
IM Story
Print
ATLANTA – Air travelers nationwide scrambled to revise their plans Thursday after an FAA computer glitch caused widespread cancellations and delays for the second time in 15 months.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the problem, which lasted about five hours, was fixed around 10 a.m., but it was unclear how long flights would be affected.
Doug Church, a spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Union, said controllers were entering flight plans manually in some locations even after the glitch was fixed.
Aviation officials told The Associated Press that the problem began at the computer center in Salt Lake City. The officials asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
FAA spokesman Paul Takemoto said the problem started between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m. Airplane dispatchers had to send plans to controllers, who entered them by hand.
"It's slowing everything down," Takemoto said.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, was particularly affected. The problem also exacerbated delays caused by bad weather in the Northeast, with airports in the Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York metro areas reporting problems.
Some flights were more than two hours behind schedule. Airports around the South also reported delays and cancellations.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, said the country's aviation system is "in shambles" and the FAA needs more resources to prevent such problems from continuing.
"If we don't deliver the resources, manpower, and technology the FAA it needs to upgrade the system, these technical glitches that cause cascading delays and chaos across the country are going to become a very regular occurrence," he said in a statement.
In Atlanta, sisters Sharon Walker and Sheila James were taking their elderly mother, Rosa Washington, to see their other sister in St. Louis. The trio's 9:30 a.m. flight was delayed until 4 p.m.
"We were going to be there for a four-day weekend, but now it's getting cut short," James said. "It's just not a good day."
At Newark International Airport, Chris Cozzi was moved from one Delta flight to another but was still unsure if it would arrive on time in Atlanta, where he would have just an hour to catch a flight to Europe.
"You have to wonder what's the glitch? Glitch is kind of a general term, it could encompass many, many things," he said. "So it is a concern, but I tend to be an optimist."
Passengers were asked to check the status of their flights online before going to airports.
AirTran canceled at least 22 flights and delayed dozens more. Delta Air Lines was also affected. American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith said several hundred flights would be delayed. He said American was told the problem would be fixed soon, "but once you get behind, it tends to stay that way" throughout the day.
Continental Airlines spokeswoman Julie King said delays averaged about an hour from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and were concentrated at the carrier's hubs in Houston, Cleveland and Newark, N.J. JetBlue Airways said 25 of its flights at Kennedy International Airport had average delays of 60 minutes and delays at other airports were up to 30 minutes. US Airways Group Inc. spokesman Morgan Durrant said the airline was no longer being affected by the FAA computer problem by midday but might have to cancel flights later due to weather.
Houston's two airports and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport reported few delays but said things could get worse, especially for travelers headed east. Los Angeles International Airport also reported that delays were likely later in the day. Airports in Europe reported no immediate problems.
The glitch hinged on flight plans collected by the FAA for traffic nationwide at two centers _ one in Salt Lake City and the other in the Atlanta area.
Victor Santore, the National Air Traffic Controllers Union southern region vice president, said he began getting e-mail messages from air traffic controllers around 7 a.m. EST Thursday that the Atlanta-area computers had stopped processing plans.
Santore said some controllers were pulled away from their normal duties talking to airplanes or pulled off breaks to help enter the flight plans.
"When something crazy like this happens, we'll pull everybody onto the floor," Santore said. "Every airport at some point some will be affected ... (The delays) are going to ripple through the entire system."
In August 2008, a software malfunction delayed hundreds of flights around the country.
In that episode, the Northeast was hardest hit by the delays because of a glitch at the Hampton, Ga., facility that processes flight plans for the eastern half of the U.S.
The FAA said at that time the source of the computer software malfunction was a "packet switch" that "failed due to a database mismatch."
___
Associated Press Writers Joan Lowy in Washington, D.C., Marcus Franklin in New York, David Koenig in Dallas, Joshua Freed in Minneapolis, Johnny Clark and Dionne Walker in Atlanta, and Matt Barakat in Chantilly, Va., contributed to this report.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Deaths not linked to H1N1 vaccine - WHO Reuters - 2 hours 43 minutes ago
Off-duty Las Vegas police officer slain at home AP - Friday, November 20
Gov't: Dismiss some counts in slaughterhouse case AP - Friday, November 20
Autopsies: Drowned students had no drugs in system AP - Friday, November 20
Feinstein seeks national energy standards for TVs AP - Friday, November 20
News Search
Top Stories
Embryonic stem cell therapy closer to human trials
WHO plays down 'swine flu vaccination deaths'
UK public sector borrowing hits record £11.4 bln
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
JP Morgan to take over Cazenove: report
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Chocolate war looms as Hershey, Ferrero mull Cadbury bid
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health
Model Helena Christensen examines climate change in Peru
'Too big to fail' must be tackled swiftly: central banker
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
More Most Viewed »
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Friday, 20 November 2009 Major powers to meet after Iran snubs nuclear deal
EU leaders likely to name Belgian premier president
Belgian Van Rompuy, UK's Ashton win top EU jobs
| International
|
Semi-conductor giant Infineon upgrades outlook
WHO plays down 'swine flu vaccination deaths'
U.S. warns Iran of consequences over standoff
Model Moss rapped for 'skinny feels good' motto
US computer glitch causes major flight delays
Ukraine warns European gas supplies under threat
Iraq struggles over election law dispute
French riots after Algeria-Egypt match
Major powers to hold Iran nuclear talks on Nov 20
French publishers slam new Google book proposals
Germany to reassess Afghan troop levels next year
| International
|
Suicide attack kills 10 in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is world's worst place to be born: UN
| International
|
Wikipedia, iPhone among decade's top 10 Internet moments
British PM backs Ashton for EU foreign affairs job
| International
|
Tsvangirai to discuss Zimbabwe crisis with Gaddafi
| International
|
Somali pirates free UAE-owned cargo ship: trader
| International
|
Resettlement quickened for Sri Lanka war displaced
Wikipedia, iPhone among decade's top 10 Internet moments
| Technology
|
China ramps up espionage against US: study
Off-duty Las Vegas police officer slain at home
Google shows off Chrome operating system
| Technology
|
Taiwan director plans Chen Shui-bian assassination movie
Microsoft says Windows 7 sales strong
| Technology
|
Gov't: Dismiss some counts in slaughterhouse case
China tightens supervision of online games
Autopsies: Drowned students had no drugs in system
AOL to cut one-third of workforce
| Technology
|
On last day in Asia, Obama sets date for N.Korea talks
Feinstein seeks national energy standards for TVs
AP NewsBreak: China holds, mistreats US geologist
Weak jobless claims, future economic activity data
US advisory panel warns of rampant Chinese spying
Clerics cringe as Indonesians flock to doomsday film
US survey shows southern counties most obese
Tokyo crowned new gourmet capital by Michelin
Geithner: some bailout funds to help lower deficit
Major militant attacks in Pakistan since October
NJ airport guard in Obama threat case is sentenced
Grinch! North Pole irked at end to Santa replies
FAA glitch causes widespread US air travel delays
World recover 'modest', debt must stop: OECD
1.5M per day getting swine flu vaccine in China
Jason Reitman documents promotion of his new film
Turkmenistan seen as top gas supplier for Nabucco
Japan Airlines to take time mulling allegiances
Pakistan's forex reserves dip to $14.12 bln
Pakistani stocks end higher; rupee flat
Jakarta halts deforestation in Sumatra's Kampar Peninsula
Susan Boyle album sets pre-order record on Amazon
| Entertainment
|
Indonesia sending 1,125 peacekeepers to Lebanon
Chief: Parker-Broderick surrogate's door wide open
Indian billionaires bounce back: Forbes
A Minute With: Adam Lambert For Your Entertainment
| Entertainment
|
A Minute With: Adam Lambert "For Your Entertainment"
Glam challenge: 96 competitors in Paris stiletto race
Kris Allen fine seeing Adam Lambert in the spotlight
| Entertainment
|
Exhibit of China's terracotta warriors in US capital
Golden cross in Vatican's collection gets new look
Werner Herzog to head Berlin Film Festival jury
Model Kate Moss criticized for "skinny" remark
"New Moon" aims for big bite from box offices
Norah Jones experiments with guitars and grooves
Canada rules out possible Afghan torture probe
Putin derides Georgian leader Saakashvili
EU names Belgian PM Van Rompuy as first president
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Russia, Ukraine reach gas compromise deal: Putin
'Too early' for Afghan handover deadline: Gates
Chinese cyber-spying grows against U.S: report
Karzai sworn in as Afghan leader; vows to fight graft
| International
|
Iraq election impasse continues, veto contested
Death toll from Afghan suicide blast rises to 13
| International
|
UN tribunal picks London lawyer for Karadzic
Copenhagen summit will be 'success': UN climate chief
Google PC will start in seven seconds or less
Eight dead in suspected U.S. missile strike in Pakistan
| International
|
Belgian PM chosen as first EU president
World powers weigh new sanctions for Iran
Smartphone growth to continue strong in 2010
Scientists uncover corn's full genetic code
Honduras's de facto leader may step aside for a week
| International
|
Iraq sentences militia leader to death
Embryonic stem cell therapy closer to human trials
Dell shares down as net profit dips 54 percent
AP lays off 90 to reach payroll reduction target
Three killed in latest bomb blast in Pakistan city
| International
|
"What's happening?" Twitter wants to know
China activists say detained after seeking to meet Obama
| International
|
Venezuela blows up two foot bridges to Colombia
| International
|
Microsoft says Windows 7 sales strong
US senator urges TVs that use less power
Anglican head challenges Vatican over women clergy
| International
|
Aussie pilot who landed in shark waters hailed a hero
Google says PC will start in seven seconds or less
| Technology
|
Second Bangladeshi twin opens eyes after separation op
Smartphone growth to continue strong in 2010
| Technology
|
Australia 'disappointed' at Japan whaling mission
Chinese cyber-spying grows against U.S: report
| Technology
|
Chinese defence chief to visit N.Korea: media
Man faces murder charge in NC girl's disappearance
AOL shows worst not over for media job cuts
| Technology
|
Rock star welcome at home for boxing king Pacquiao
China orders more accurate swine flu tallies
Alleged burglar warms up bottle for crying baby
Australia boost football World Cup bid team: report
China vows to punish H1N1 death cover-ups
University of Calif. approves big fee hikes
NJ dad to testify before human rights panel
Icebergs moving towards New Zealand
Pacquiao in no rush for Mayweather clash
Italy trial over murdered British student closing
Plea deal reached in Pa. steel town arson case
Texas inmate executed after gov. rejects clemency
Man who left wallet in bank robbery pleads guilty
Couple charged in Phoenix airport luggage thefts
Taiwan sells 273-day T-bills at 0.259 pct yield
Deflation major issue for Japan: finance minister
Japan maintains super-low interest rates
John Woo exporting Hollywood values to China
S.Korea to prepare guidelines on bond naked short selling
Seoul shares decline 0.2 pct; KEB advances
NZ credit card billings up slightly in October-RBNZ
US lawmakers threaten China sanctions over currency
S.Korea bonds fall as foreign investors turn sellers
Oprah Winfrey to end talk show in September 2011
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open lower on U.S. fall, econ worry
John Kerry's daughter arrested in Hollywood
| Entertainment
|
Project Runway season finale airs after legal dispute
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea to raise 2010 growth target to 4-5 pct -paper
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Project Runway" season finale airs after legal dispute
Ethiopian Jews in Israel still await Promised Land
'Passport please': new fences for a border town
John Woo exporting Hollywood values to China
'Un-Indian' Bollywood promo sparks protests
Miss Calif. pageant gives ad time to gay group
AP NewsAlert
Final season of `Lost' to begin Feb. 2
Two Calgary Kids To Explore 'Unique' Homework Plan After Striking Deal With Parents
Dining Establishment On Parliament Hill Adds Seal Meat To Menu
Filipina Congresswoman Sworn In Two Years After Elections
Santa May Not Answer Letters This Year
Wife Consistently Fails to Kill Husband...Three Times
Israeli, Palestinian Olive Crops Beset By Theft And Violence
Saudi Clerics Told to Keep Sermons Short
Filipino Residents Cook At Dump Oozing With Methane
Ozark Cop Tases Unruly 10-Year-Old
Police: Eviction Notice Leads Davie Couple to Arson
Giant atom-smasher poised for restart: CERN
U.S. missile strike kills 8 in Pakistan
| International
|
Motorbike bomber kills 12 in Afghan town
ElBaradei urges Iran to agree fuel deal by year end
| International
|
Militants kill four Pakistani soldiers: officials
Gameloft says it, others reining in Android plans
Abbas confirms Palestinian vote to be postponed
| International
|
Motorbike bomber kills six in Afghan town: police
Sony to launch online entertainment service in 2010
eBay completes Skype sale
U.S. seeks release of geologist in China secrets case
| International
|
Belgians proud but concerned over Van Rompuy exit
| International
|
Britain hit by floods after record rainfall
| International
|
U.S. soldier admits may have driven car in Japan crash
| International
|
Transsexual in Italian political scandal murdered
| International
|
Sony to launch online entertainment service in 2010
Christian leaders issue 'call of conscience'
End of an era: Oprah ending show after 25 years
Gameloft says it, others reining in Android plans
| Technology
|
AP IMPACT: Some lawmakers send few to academies
Top SKorean model found hanged in Paris apartment
US House districts with fewest academy nominations
Top SKorean model found hung in Paris apartment
Rebel blast derails train in India, killing 2
Tiny Iowa town has the chargers, awaiting drivers
Sony to launch online entertainment service in 2010
| Technology
|
Cambodia cracks down on siren use to halt traffic
Biologists save fish after landslide
Cost of child vaccines fall, more kids saved
Analysis: Outlook for tough Iran sanctions is dim
India's attack on Maoists troubles European aid body
US envoy criticizes coverage of Obama China visit
White House at odds with bishops over abortion
Gunman kills four in Pacific island rampage
Jayson Williams plea hearing delayed indefinitely
Indian Maoists derail train, kill two: police
FACTBOX-Capital control measures in Asia
Sony hopes online service will build brand loyalty
China's CNPC agrees to expand Sudan refinery
S.Korea says Oct crude imports up 6.3 pct y/y
Japan warns that deflation can drag on recovery
India's Suzlon sells stake in Belgian firm Hansen
Susan Boyle aims to turn celebrity into album sales
| Entertainment
|
Thai exports decline eases in October
New Moon plays it by the book
| Entertainment
|
Liberace, Cruise, Palin among Winfrey's highlights
Sun shines on golf's growth in China's Hainan
"New Moon" plays it by the book
US talk queen Oprah to end show in 2011
Top S . Korean model found dead at Paris apartment
Bardot urges end to animal sacrifice in Nepal
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS
Heidi Klum wows crowd at Victoria's Secret show
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights