FAA Outage: Serious computer outage reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, potentially impacting airlines nationwide

A computer failure at the FAA could affect statewide flights, including a possible statewide grounding, ABC News has learned.

The affected system is responsible for sending flight hazard information and real-time restrictions to pilots known as NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions).

“THE FAA is experiencing an outage affecting the updating of NOTAMS. All flights cannot be cleared at this time,” the FAA said in a statement announcing the issue.

American Airlines told ABC News that this has only caused delays in their flights at the moment.

“The FAA is working to restore its Notice to Air Missions system. We are now conducting final validation checks and repopulating the system,” the FAA said in an update released shortly after its initial announcement. “Operations throughout the National Airspace System have been impacted. We will provide regular updates as we make progress.”

The NOTAM system warns pilots and other flight personnel of hazards or changes to airport facilities and relevant procedures.

Pilots can fly without the system, and flights departed from New York City area airports and other locations.

Flightaware is currently showing 760 domestic flight delays, although it is unknown how many are specifically related to the computer failure.

There are also nationwide reports of pilots telling passengers their flights will be grounded until the system is restored.

American Airlines released the following statement: “The Federal Aviation Administration is experiencing an outage of its NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system, which provides critical flight safety information. We are closely monitoring the situation affecting all airlines and are working with the FAA to minimize disruption to our operations and customers. We encourage our customers to check aa.com for the latest flight information.”

United Airlines also released a statement stating, “The FAA system broadcasting important flight hazards in real time & Restrictions on All Commercial Airline Pilots – Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) – is currently suffering from a nationwide outage. United has temporarily suspended all domestic flights and will provide an update as we learn more from the FAA.”

This is an evolving story. Please check back for updates.