Some SFO travelers see impact on flights after FAA system failure halted U.S. flights

SAN FRANCISCO (CGO) — Grandparents Bianca Roche’s flight from San Francisco was delayed nearly an hour due to an FAA ground stop on Wednesday morning.

“They were supposed to fly to Tampa, but due to a problem the plane hasn’t arrived yet and it’s still in Seattle or flying here,” Roche said.

The FAA has ordered all domestic flights suspended until Wednesday 6 a.m. across the country after a computer glitch affected domestic flights. The system addressed the dangers of being sent flying and restrictions for pilots in real time.

A San Francisco International spokesman said about 20% of flights were delayed around 10:00 a.m. and there were 23 cancellations, but it’s not clear how many of those were due to a ground stop. The spokesman mentioned that there was also inclement weather on Wednesday, which in itself is causing delays and cancellations.

Surabhi Madhwapati showed ABC7 a text sent to her by United Airlines saying her flight to Chicago was delayed because they were solving a technology problem.

“My flight is delayed by 30 minutes,” Madhvapati said. “I hope everything will be back to normal soon.”

Teresa Chang said she was told her United flight to Dallas was delayed due to technical issues. She then says that they rebooked her flight because the crew needed a rest.

She flew from Taiwan to SFO.

“My original plan was already pretty bad,” Chang said. “I had to have a transfer, like a seven-hour layover. Now I have a 13 hour layover. I had super jet lag… Now I feel very tired.”

For Roche, the FAA break meant spending a little more time with Grandma Anna and Grandpa Bob.

“It’s good because I rarely see them since they live in Tampa, so it’s nice to see them,” Roche said.

After the story was aired, Madhvapathi says her flight actually left on time and was not delayed in the end. She says the pilot announced that he was cleared to take off.

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