Southwest faces delays as airline resolves ‘brief technology glitch’ 2 years after 2022 holiday collapse

Southwest customers across the country faced a significant number of delays Wednesday after a “brief technology glitch” caused by a power outage, the airline told FOX Business.

“Southwest Airlines resolved a brief technology issue caused by a power outage at one of our Dallas area data centers this afternoon,” the company said in a statement shared with FOX Business.

“While we were able to continue our overall operations, some flights across the system were delayed while our teams resolved the outage and restarted the systems. We apologize to our customers and appreciate their patience as we work to get them to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible. possible.”

At one point Wednesday evening, 32% of Southwest flights were delayed, USA Today reported, citing Flight Aware.

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This comes less than two years after the airline’s infamous December 2022 crisis, when nearly 17,000 flights were canceled and 2 million passengers were stranded over the Christmas holidays.

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The airline ended up paying passengers $600 million following that debacle and was fined $140 million following a government investigation late last year.

“Today’s action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: If airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable,” said the US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, after the fine was imposed.

“Caring for passengers is not only the right thing to do, it is necessary, and this penalty should incentivize all airlines to take every step possible to ensure a collapse like this never happens again Never.”

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The delays caused by the 2022 storm, marked by images of thousands of passengers stranded at airports and checked bags strewn everywhere, were caused in part by the company’s outdated computer systems.

The company has promised to invest $1 billion to upgrade and maintain its IT systems.

“The recent disruption will accelerate our plans to improve our processes and technology as we continue to focus on adding capabilities to deliver rapid improvements to you, our valued customers,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement. note to members last year.