Computer problem causes traffic delays at major US airports

Computer problems have grounded a large number of flight departures in the north-eastern U.S. and delays have resulted in airports across North America.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that many airports in the U.S. are experiencing major delays due to computer system problems.

Reports are indicating that a failure occurred in the eastern U.S. in the system which processes flight plans. The system has been re-routed to Salt Lake City, in the western part of the country, which is handling the additional requirement along with its normal daily load, leading to back-ups in flight plan processing.

Planes are not permitted to take off without having filed a flight plan.

FAA officials are reporting that planes already in flight are not affected.

According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Laura Keehner, no indication of terrorism has been involved. “There is no indication of a terrorism nexus at this time.”

The FAA website has noted that traffic at more than 25 major airports has been delayed.

In Canada, at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, officials are saying that there haven’t been any noticeable changes to flight schedules yet, but that delays in the U.S. will eventually affect arrival times in Toronto.

Most airlines are encouraging their customers to check on their flight’s status before leaving for the airport.

www.faa.gov