A burst pipe caused a ground delay at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday morning that is expected to persist throughout the day.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed flight delays could reach an average of over an hour and 20 minutes. FAA officials said the ground delay is due to "equipment issues." 

A passenger on a flight to Chicago from New Mexico said their pilot told them a pipe burst in the control tower, which in turn is affecting airport operations and prompted the ground delay. The passenger told CBS News Chicago the pilot said it was possible for them to leave on time if they board quickly, but if boarding is slow then they could face a four-hour delay.

Officials at O'Hare confirmed a water pipe in the main control tower burst around 1 a.m. Crews have been working to repair the pipe and the damage since, but the operations of the main tower are affected. 

The North and South towers will try to make up for the lost air traffic control capabilities throughout the day, but O'Hare officials said the delays are expected to persist throughout the day.

CBS News Chicago has also reached out to the FAA and are waiting to hear back.