Daily London
Flights are being delayed across Australia amid a technical issue impacting the sharing of flight plans.
A large-scale IT outage is preventing Airservices Australia from processing flight plans automatically. Staff are being forced to do the process manually and it is impacting planes
Airservices Australia is responsible for the “safe, orderly flow” of planes taking off across the country.
Airservices Australia said the issue stemmed from its Melbourne Air Traffic Service Centre, which provides air traffic control services to the southern half of Australian airspace.
“The main operational capability being impacted is that we have reverted to manual entering of flight plans in some circumstances,” a spokesperson said.
Virgin Australia says there are “multiple delays across our network” tonight.
“The issue is preventing all Australian airlines from lodging or receiving approved flight plans required for take-off,” Virgin said.
“As a result, we are experiencing multiple delays across our network. We appreciate the patience of all travellers as we work through a solution, and we will provide an update once more information is known.”
Airservices Australia said only some of its communication systems were being impacted.
“Safety, air traffic control and communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft are unaffected,” it said.
“To maintain safety while we work to rectify the issue, traffic management measures have been implemented at Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide Airports.”
Airservices Australia said “some departures may be delayed”.
“Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines.”
