Over 400 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed as of Wednesday 5.31 am ET, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. The FAA system that alerts pilots and other flight personnel about hazards or any changes to airport facility services and relevant procedures was not processing updated information, the FlightAware website showed, Reuters reported.
Passengers have been stranded in airports across the globe awaiting further updates; some others were stuck on the tarmac after planned departures were cancelled.
“Technicians are currently working to restore the system and there is no estimate for restoration of service at this time,” a notice on the FAA site reads. The FAA said its NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system had “failed”. There is no clarity on when the outage will be fixed.
A NOTAM, which includes information on runway closures, general bird hazard warnings, or low-altitude construction obstacles aren't known far in advance to related personnel.
