FAA problems affecting Air Canada, WestJet flights

TORONTO - Air Canada and WestJet are encouraging travellers headed to or from the U.S. to check their flights before heading to the airport after a key computer outage at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration caused delays

WestJet said six flights were delayed Wednesday morning because of the computer outage and none were cancelled, while Air Canada said the outage would have an effect on its transborder operations, but that it was not possible to determine the extent of the delays.

Air Canada says it is putting in place a goodwill policy for affected customers to change their travel plans.

Due to the recent FAA computer outage, we invite all customers travelling today to and from the USA to check their flight status here: https://t.co/luGwoBbOy4

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) January 11, 2023

The FAA issued a grounding order this morning for all departing aircraft due to a problem with what is known as the Notice to Air Missions System.

The U.S. regulator lifted the order just before 9 a.m., but the delays and cancellations it caused are expected to ripple through the system.

The delays come after storms caused havoc for travellers during the busy holiday travel season.