FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

FAA System Outage: How Does This Happen?

by Aoife O'Riordan

Jan 11, 2023

© Opolja | Dreamstime

Trends / Top Trends

U.S. airlines and airports experienced one of the worst shutdowns in years due to an FAA outage reported earlier this morning. The system, called NOTAMS, experienced technical problems, causing many U.S. flights to be canceled or delayed. The system is essential for pilots to receive information, such as alerts about closed runways, equipment outages and other hazards along a flight route. While air traffic controllers ensure flights at their respective airports land and take-off on time without overlap, NOTAMS is national.

 

As of press time, flight tracking site FlightAware revealed more than 8,116 flight delays nationwide and 1,213 U.S. flight cancellations, with the number steadily increasing over the hours. Airlines including United Airlines and American Airlines quickly released statements explaining why their flights would be halted until the FAA outage was fixed.

 

While still unknown if the cause of the outage points to a cyberattack of some kind, the outage affected thousands of passengers and employees. President Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are currently in communication with the FAA to determine the cause.

 

The recent and massive outage leads many to wonder how something like this can happen. With great advancements in technology, how can current technology fail so many?

 

According to Congressman Rick Larsen (D-Wa.), the “current state of technology infrastructure at the FAA” must be examined. In other words, outdated systems might be to blame for the national outage. Larsen also noted an investigation into the causes of the outage may lead to solutions as to how to improve the system. Increased funding to ensure another outage doesn’t happen again is another possibility.

 

Whether the outage was unavoidable or the result of old software, the reliance of it by thousands is enough to worry many as they travel across the country. And these worries are nothing new. Just last month, Southwest Airlines suffered a major meltdown in flight operations due to outdated software, resulting in thousands of delayed or canceled flights.

 

For Southwest Airlines, outdated technology was to blame, but the effects on passengers and employees remained. The FAA outage this morning from technical issues now seems all too familiar. If outdated technology is the culprit, shouldn’t updating these systems take top priority?

 

The FAA announced at 8:50 a.m. that normal air traffic operations are gradually resuming across the country. Ground stop has been lifted and the FAA continues to look into the cause of the outage. Stay updated on the FAA’s NOTAMS statements.

 

Were you affected by this outage? What are your thoughts on the Southwest Airlines meltdown and now the FAA outage? What do you think could be improved? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Travel
Mar 17, 2023

Fleet Clubs

Don’t think a private plane is right for you, but know the concept comes with its perks? Then you might want to consider purchasing a Fleet Clubs membership.

Making the Best of an Airport Experience: Hamad International Airport

Whether you’re departing from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) or transferring, the airport offers a variety of experiences for passengers that will enrich any journey.

Destinations / North America
Mar 16, 2023

Best Small Hotels to Stay at on Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast (a.k.a. the area around Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City) welcomes travelers with its white-sand beaches, islands and charming downtowns. You’ll find equal charm at the destination’s boutique hotels, so be sure to consider booking a stay at one of these small hotels in the region for your next trip.

Products / Travel
Mar 16, 2023

3 Travel Essentials for Active Travel

Who doesn’t love a trip involving non-stop activities? While planning such a trip sounds fun, many find themselves wishing they had prepared better for the trip when the time actually comes to leave. Those embarking on a more active-focused trip this year should consider these three travel essentials to make life a bit easier.

United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates

As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.

Destinations / Europe
Mar 16, 2023

The Thinking Traveller’s Sicilian Culinary Retreat with Chef Michael Tusk

Sicilian villa Rocca delle Tre Contrade, available exclusively for booking through The Thinking Traveller, hosts a week-long, full-immersion experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Tusk this spring.