American Airlines flights across the United States were grounded earlier due to a technical issue that affected the airline’s entire system. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since announced that the “nationwide groundstop” has been lifted.
The FAA had initially confirmed that the issue impacted all operations for the airline, leading to significant delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Passengers at various airports have reported that the problem appears to have been resolved, and systems are now functioning normally. In a response to travelers on social media, American Airlines stated: “Our team is currently working to rectify this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”
Despite the resolution, the airline has not yet issued a formal explanation for the disruption, and emails seeking additional comment have gone unanswered.
The FAA’s website revealed that American Airlines had requested the grounding of all its flights, including those operated by its subsidiaries.
The timing of this technical issue is especially critical, with millions of people traveling for the holiday season. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has projected that it will screen approximately 40 million passengers during the holiday period, which extends through January 2.
This disruption, though temporary, highlights the challenges of maintaining seamless operations during peak travel times.