American Airlines computer problems lead to Phoenix cancellations

By Nicholas Sakelaris

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded Tuesday afternoon after the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline experienced problems with computers that handle reservations and ticket booking.
 
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials say five departing and four arriving American Airlines flights to and from Dallas and Chicago have been cancelled today.
 
American said on its Twitter page that the grounding was in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday. The FAA said it took the action at American's request.
 
"At this time we are holding all flights on the ground until later this afternoon, when we will provide another update," said Andrea Huguely, director of media relations for American Airlines. "We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as we can, and we apologize to our customers for this inconvenience."
 
Planes that are in the air will land at their destinations, Hugeuly said.
 
Passengers can get full refunds or change reservations at no charge if their schedules are flexible, Huguely said. The changes will have to be made once the system gets back online.
 
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that flights at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport could be seen on the tarmac and runways, but not taking off.
 
The system-wide grounding comes as American makes strides to improve arrivals and departures and works its way through a merger, said Bernard Weinstein, an economist at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University....