Southwest Airlines passengers in San Diego and at airports across the nation were dealing with extensive delays Wednesday caused by a computer failure that prompted a temporary halt to all flights.
According to the airline, Southwest “began experiencing intermittent performance issues earlier this afternoon with multiple technology systems as a result of an outage.”
As a result, the airline issued a “ground stop” for all flights that had not yet left the gate. Many passengers took to Twitter, complaining of extensive delays.
The ground stop was lifted around 1 p.m., but delays were expected to continue throughout the day as the airline worked to get flights back in the air.
“We apologize to our customers whose travel plans are impacted,” according to the airline. “We expect to continue our move toward a normal operation but believe it will take time.”
We are aware and investigating current issues with our systems. We will keep you posted as we have more information to share.
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) July 20, 2016
. @SouthwestAir I hate you so much right now
— Jackson (@JacksonKrecioch) July 20, 2016
First experience flying with @SouthwestAir & their entire fleet has been grounded. No one knows when our plane will even arrive here now. GG
— Matthew Bailey (@Cyborgmatt) July 20, 2016
. @SouthwestAir so I’m supposed to just sit here all night?? smh
— Jackson (@JacksonKrecioch) July 20, 2016
@SouthwestAir – how are you going to make this up to customers? tweet doesnt cut it. A refund and credit #southwest #southwestairlines
— Hoon (@yoocla) July 20, 2016
Outage causing lots of delays for Southwest nationwide @10News pic.twitter.com/m6SrMnesBq
— Kim Lasky (@WihlborgKim) July 20, 2016
I am NOT upset with @SouthwestAir. Better a safe delay than a swift plummet.
— Seanan McGuire (@seananmcguire) July 20, 2016
— City News Service