Delta Air Lines Inc. said limited departures were resuming after a power outage in Atlanta caused global computer problems for the No. 2 U.S. carrier by traffic.
Delta, however, warned on its website that cancellations and delays would continue, and that there may be some lag time in the display of accurate flight status at its website, app and with company representatives on the phone and in the airport.
Earlier, Delta had said “our systems are down everywhere.” While the problems delayed planes awaiting departure, flights en route were operating normally, the company said.
The disturbance occurred after a power outage in Atlanta, where the carrier is based, at about 2: 30 a.m. local time. It affected the airline’s computer system and operations world-wide, Delta said.
“Large-scale cancellations are expected today,” the company added.
The airline’s shares were hit last week when the airline reported a sharper than expected drop in passenger unit revenue for July. Shares in Delta are down more than 25% this year amid a wider slump in airline shares over concern of overcapacity.
Delta said it was working to fix the issue and advised travelers to check the status of their flights this morning while the issue is being addressed. The airline warned passengers that some systems showing the status of flights were providing inaccurate information.
Computer glitches disrupting airline passengers aren’t unusual, though they can have knock-on effects that last long after technical issues are resolved.
British Airways has been phasing in a new at-gate check-in system, at times snarling the processing of passengers. United Continental Holdings Inc. suffered repeated computer problems after United and Continental merged. Last month Southwest Airlines Co. , the No. 4 U.S. airline by traffic, also suffered a tech outage, grounding some flights.
U.S. airline passengers this year also have suffered under a shortage of staff to perform security checks, leading to long checkpoint lines and many passengers missing flights. The Transportation Security Administration, airports and airlines were forced scramble to cut wait times.
The Wall Street Journal
Delta Air Lines slowly comming back online
