Flightmares before Christmas: why December disruption is so painful
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The advisory message that was sent out by the US Command Center at 11.50am GMT on Christmas Eve read: “Nationwide ground stop for all AAL Main and Subs”. The fact that it affected “Subs” – smaller airlines flying regional trips for American, as well as the mainline operation – suggested something had gone awry with the departure control system. In its post-meltdown statement, American Airlines followed standard aviation PR practice of blaming a third party: “A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. The Christmas choreography of air traffic control does not respond well to a giant airline’s entire fleet being held on the ground for an hour.
History of this topic
Christmas travel chaos as thick fog sparks mass delays and cancellations at UK’s busiest airports
The Independent
Christmas travel chaos breaks out at UK airports including Gatwick and Manchester with more than 100 flights delayed or cancelled after 'heavy fog' descends on Britain
Daily Mail
Severe Weather, Airport Delays Disrupt Americans' Christmas Travel
ABP News
American Airlines flight meltdown hits UK: Christmas travel chaos as British passengers left stranded in US after 'technical issue', drivers face huge delays after lorry flips on busy motorway and tra
Daily Mail
Everything to remember if you’re flying this Christmas
The Independent
Everything to remember if you’re flying this Christmas
The Independent
Heathrow Airport gets ready for busiest Christmas Day ever
The Independent
Christmas Eve getaway travel chaos as rail staff shortage disrupts journeys
The Independent
Christmas travel chaos hits UK as Europeans suspend flights
Hindustan TimesDiscover Related
