FAA, DOT reveal plans to modernize air traffic control, reduce delays
In the wake of technology failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, the plans are aimed at improving safety and efficiency for air travel.
- A telecommunications outage caused the FAA to slow air traffic into the Dallas Fort Worth area.
- Flights to Dallas Love Field and Dallas Fort Worth International were held at their departure points, with some diversions.
The Federal Aviation Administration slowed air traffic into the Dallas Fort Worth area after a telecommunications outage hindered air traffic controllers.
“The FAA is slowing flights at Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport due to a reported local telephone company equipment issue that does not involve FAA equipment. The FAA is working with the telephone company to determine the cause.”
Flights into both airports are are being delayed at their departure points for around 30-60 minutes, according to the FAA. Some flights that were already in the air were diverted to other airports.
“The entire Metroplex radar is out of service and everything is stopped, so use caution,” a controller at Dallas Love Field was heard telling a departing pilot on audio captured by LiveATC.net.
Southwest Airlines, a major operator at Dallas Love Field, confirmed to USA TODAY that some of the carrier’s flights had been affected, including a handful that had been diverted.
“We will work to get them back on track as soon as the FAA gives the go-ahead,” Lynn Lunsford, a Southwest spokesperson, said in an email.
American Airlines, which has its main hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, said in a statement on social media that its flights could also be disrupted.
Both American and Southwest issued travel waivers for passengers flying to, from or through Dallas, offering flexibility for those whose flights are affected to change their plans without paying a fare difference or fees.
American‘s waiver is only valid for flights at DFW, and Southwest‘s for flights at Love Field.
According to data from FlightAware, the two airports had a combined 58 flights cancelled and an additional 187 flights delayed just before 5:05 p.m. CT.
The ground delay program is expected to be in place until at least 8 p.m. CT for Love Field and 9 p.m. CT for DFW.
The telecom issue in Dallas mirrors a series of similar incidents that struck air traffic controllers for Newark Liberty International Airport’s airspace this spring.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
