American Airlines Fixes Computer Glitch, After Major Delays For O'Hare, Dallas, Miami
CHICAGO (CBS) -- American Airlines said it has fixed computer problems that caused major delays at O'Hare International Airport and two other major airports Thursday afternoon, and was working to get its flights back to normal.
A computer problem forced American to halt all flights headed to O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Miami International Airport around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
The airline said it had fixed the problem by 1:15 p.m.
We've resolved connectivity issues that caused challenges at DFW, ORD and MIA. We're sorry and will have you on your way soon.
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) September 17, 2015
It was unclear exactly how many flights were affected, but American is the second largest carrier at O'Hare, and Dallas/Fort Worth is its main hub.
Michel Lehman circled for more than an hour on a flight from Atlanta while the ground stop was in effect. He was late for a family reunion. He says he understands that computer systems crash, but says American ought to be prepared for that.
"I'm just angry," Lehman tells WBBM Newsradio's Bob Roberts. "I'm too old to put up with this crap."
American Airlines spokesperson Leslie Scott said the airline has not yet determined what caused the computer problem, but said it caused system outages, and prevented passengers from checking in. Those who had mobile boarding passes were able to check in, but those who did not have a mobile boarding pass or paper pass before the computers went down could not get on their flight.
There are total of 291 delays involving the three airports. The flights were delayed by about 30 to 45 minutes. A total of six flights were canceled at O'Hare.