Southwest Airlines experienced a considerable number of flight delays on Wednesday after a “brief technology issue” caused by a power outage, the airline informed FOX Business.
According to the company, the technology issue was a result of a power outage at one of their data centres in the Dallas area. Despite ongoing operations, some flights were delayed while the team addressed the outage and restarted systems. This led to approximately 32% of Southwest’s flights being delayed, as reported by USA Today citing Flight Aware.
This incident comes less than two years after the airline’s well-publicised December 2022 meltdown, when almost 17,000 flights were cancelled, leaving 2 million passengers stranded during the Christmas holiday. Southwest Airlines incurred a cost of $600 million to compensate affected passengers and was subject to a $140 million fine following a government investigation late last year.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, “Taking care of passengers is not just the right thing to do — it’s required, and this penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again.”
The 2022 holiday meltdown was partly a result of the company’s outdated computer systems, prompting Southwest Airlines to pledge a $1 billion investment to upgrade and maintain its IT systems. CEO Bob Jordan expressed in a note to members that the recent disruption will expedite the company’s plans to enhance their processes and technology, focusing on adding capabilities to bring rapid improvements for their customers.
As of now, Southwest Airlines has resolved the technology issue and is working tirelessly to get passengers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible. The airline apologises to its customers and appreciates their patience during this ordeal.
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines continues to face technological challenges, which have resulted in significant flight delays. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to resolving these issues and ensuring a smooth travel experience for its valued customers.