US pilot messaging system outage could cause flight delays
What's the story
The US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned of possible flight delays after a temporary outage in a key pilot messaging system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to restore the "Notice to Air Mission" or NOTAM system. However, despite the issue, Duffy assured that there is no impact on the National Airspace System as a backup system is operational.
Communication measures
FAA establishes hotline for aviation stakeholders
To ensure communication with aviation stakeholders amid the NOTAM system outage, the FAA has set up a hotline. The agency is also promising updates every half hour on the system's status. Duffy said that the FAA "activated its contingency system to supplement and support preflight briefings and continue flight operations." He also advised passengers to check their flight status with their carriers today due to possible residual delays.
Past disruptions
Previous NOTAM outage disrupted over 11,000 flights
A similar NOTAM system outage in January 2023 caused the first nationwide US groundstop since 2001, affecting over 11,000 flights. The system is essential for relaying safety notices to pilots, flight crews, as well as other users of US airspace. Taxiway lights being out at an airport or a particular runway being closed for construction are usually communicated through this system.
Airlines' response
Major airlines report no significant delays
Responding to the NOTAM system outage, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said the carrier did not face any major delays late on Saturday. The airline has "people and processes in place if the situation continues." Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also reported no issues early today. A Delta spokesperson confirmed all operations are continuing as usual with up-to-date NOTAM information available through backup procedures.