Technology! The FAA says that a computer glitch has affected its "ability to process flight plans electronically"—which is now resulting in flight delays across the country.
The issue started in Atlanta, where the FAA's computers are based (there's a backup in Salt Lake City) around 7 a.m. this morning, and are affecting flights at JFK, Laguardia and Newark. Our Ben Muessig, who is on a plane actually waiting on the JFK tarmac reports, "According to my Jet Blue pilot, the delays are caused by an FAA computer malfunction that forces all flights to have their routes approved verbally by radio. So far, we've heard of delays of at least 30 minutes to an hour. My flight was supposed to lift off from JFK 45 minutes ago." Interestingly, WABC is saying, "Air traffic controllers say Kennedy Airport is currently operating at 40 to 50% efficiency, but airport officials say there are no reportable delays."
Luckily, the computer glitch is not considered to be a safety issue.
