Airlines work to move past delays after FAA outage blamed on corrupted file

Passengers and carriers alike hoped to see operations return to normal, but Chris Torres, the vice president of the Allied Pilots Association, warned that the chaotic situation could “cause ripple effects.”

“This thing was lifted at 9 a.m. Eastern. That doesn’t mean the problem stops at 9 a.m. This is going to cause ripple effects,” Torres, whose members fly for American Airlines, told Reuters.

Flight delays and cancellations can prove major inconveniences to customers flying within the U.S., as long driving distances and a relatively limited passenger rail network make for grueling alternatives.

Anyone whose flight was canceled is entitled to a full refund, according to Transportation Department guidelines. Meanwhile, major domestic carriers like American, United and Delta said they would waive the fees of travelers who wanted to rebook flights.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday night that the FAA would work to further pinpoint the source of the issue and identify steps to prevent it from happening again. He echoed the agency in saying there is no evidence of a cyberattack.

“One of the questions we need to look at right now, and one of the things I’m asking from FAA, is what’s the state of the art in this form of message traffic?” Buttigieg told NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell earlier Wednesday. “And again, how is it possible for there to be this level of disruption?”

President Joe Biden ordered an investigation after he was briefed by Buttigieg.