13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Computer glitch leads to delays for air passengers nationwide

Computer glitch leads to delays for air passengers nationwide

Mary Milz/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Air travelers nationwide scrambled to revise their plans Thursday after an FAA computer glitch caused widespread cancellations and delays for the second time in 15 months.

Passengers flying in and out of Indianapolis saw several flights delayed and others canceled because of the glitch.

"We waited 45 minutes. The plane before us had to wait approximately two hours," said Gary Crotty, passenger.

"There were a few cancellations out of LaGuardia and they said Georgia had gotten canceled," said Shannon Cooke.

While the problem was fixed by late morning, many flights were backed up throughout the day. Airport officials say it was especially bad at the country's biggest airports and in the upper Great Lakes area where poor visibility compounded the problem.

"We're seeing a residual effect of some of the delays earlier and it's kind of a domino effect, so when there are delays in other parts of the country it can effect us In Indianapolis," said Susan Sullivan, airport spokesperson.

Not everyone flying out of Indianapolis knew of the problem, and others actually arrived early at their destinations.

"From Gulfport, landed on time in Dallas and actually 20 minutes early here," said Aungelet McNeal, passenger.

While the cause of the glitch wasn't immediately known, few were surprised at the impact.

"It makes sense but just shows how dependent we are on computers," said one passenger. "Nothing happens without computers."

There could be more delays Friday as part of a knock-on effect. If you're flying Friday, check with your airline.