The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted its nationwide ground stop and flights are resuming after a computer outage affected flight safety. Many airports are still experiencing delays and some cancellations in the aftermath.
The affected system, known as Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs), is responsible for sending out flight hazards and real-time restrictions to pilots. More than 3,700 flights were delayed by 5:30 a.m., more than 640 were canceled.
Before commencing a flight, pilots are required to consult NOTAMs, or Notices to Air Missions, which list potential adverse impacts on flights, from runway construction to the potential for icing. The system used to be telephone-based, with pilots calling dedicated flight service stations for the information, but has since moved online.
Shortly before 6:30 a.m., the FAA ordered airlines to pause domestic departures until 8 a.m. so it could “validate the integrity of flight and safety information.”
Shortly before 8 a.m., they announced, “Normal air traffic operations are resuming gradually across the United States. The ground stop has been lifted. The agency continues to look into the cause of the initial problem.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a tweet that he is in touch with the FAA and monitoring the situation.
The White House said that there is no evidence of a cyberattack, but President Joe Biden directed the Department of Transportation to investigate the cause of the disruption.
The FAA has said they would provide frequent updates as the investigation continues.
The Associated Press and KNX News 97.1 Los Angeles contributed to this report.