Flights delayed across Australia amid large-scale IT outage
Updated . First published at
Flights have been delayed across Australia amid a technical issue impacting the sharing of flight plans.
A large-scale IT outage last night was preventing Airservices Australia, which is responsible for air traffic control across the country, from processing flight plans automatically.
That forced staff to input the essential details manually, a slower process that caused major delays in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
READ MORE: Professor flooded with death threats after what he wants banned from Queensland
Virgin Australia says there are "multiple delays across our network". Luis Enrique Ascui
A short time later, a widespread internet outage took out the websites of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide airports, although Sydney remained unaffected. That outage, which impacted global websites, appeared unrelated to the initial Airservices Australia issue.
Airservices Australia said the issue stemmed from its Melbourne Air Traffic Service Centre, which monitors 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 said there were "multiple delays across our network".
"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.
READ MORE: Trouble for the world's richest company sends a shiver down Aussie spines
Airservices Australia said some of its communication systems were being impacted at its Melbourne Air Traffic Service Centre, forcing staff to manually enter flight plans. Nine
"To maintain safety while we work to rectify the issue, traffic management measures have been implemented at Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide Airports."
It's understand air traffic controllers were using mobile phones to communicate with each other but could still use normal radio to communicate with planes.
Airservices Australia said "some departures may be delayed".
"Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines," it said.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
