Temporary Nationwide Flight Suspensions in the US Due to Computer Malfunction (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Domestic flight operations across the United States were completely halted for several hours on the morning of the 11th (local time) due to a computer system malfunction. So far, there is no evidence of a cyberattack.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and others, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop order for all domestic flights early that morning due to a computer network malfunction. The FAA later lifted the ground stop order just before 9 a.m. Eastern Time, and flight operations have been gradually resuming starting with New York Newark Liberty Airport.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

This measure was taken after an error was detected in the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system, which provides pilots and others with real-time essential flight safety information. The FAA stated in a press release, "Normal flight operations are resuming nationwide," and added, "We are still working to fully restore the NOTAM system." The cause of the NOTAM system malfunction has not yet been clearly identified.

Despite the resumption of operations, the several-hour shutdown is expected to cause delays and cancellations in various locations for some time. According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, more than 4,300 flights across the U.S. were delayed until just after 9 a.m. that day. However, WP noted that it is uncertain how many of these flights were directly affected by the shutdown. The FAA and major airlines have urged passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information before traveling, as the effects of the incident may continue.

U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters that day, "I spoke with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and they do not yet know the cause," adding, "Authorities expect to identify the cause within a few hours and will respond accordingly." Earlier, Secretary Buttigieg also mentioned on his Twitter account that "the root cause is being identified, and a post-incident process for next steps has been directed."

Some have raised the possibility of cyberattacks by Russia, China, North Korea, or others, given Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as the cause behind the incident. However, no evidence of a cyberattack has been confirmed yet. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated on Twitter, "At this time, there is no evidence of a cyberattack, and President Biden has ordered a full investigation into the cause."

Meanwhile, on the New York Stock Exchange that day, major airline stocks such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines showed a decline before the market opened but turned to gains of around 1% following news of the resumption of flight operations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.