IT Glitch Sparks Major Flight Delays Across Australia

A technical issue has been blamed for causing widespread flight delays across the country last night.

The problem originated with Airservices Australia, the company responsible for air traffic control, unable to process flight plans automatically.

This triggered delays of up to an hour at Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, with staff forced to enter details manually.

Airservices was quick to reassure the public that safety systems remained fully functional throughout.

“Critical safety controls, air traffic control and communication between aircraft and controllers were not compromised,” an organisation spokesperson told media outlets.

Arrivals at Melbourne Airport were delayed by more than an hour, Perth experienced both arrivals and departures delays, while Adelaide reported some flights were held up for 30 to 60 minutes.

Technicians worked through the evening to restore the automated systems, with Airservices confirming the issue had now been resolved.

“Airservices Australia has made progress in rectifying the communications issue affecting operations on Tuesday and automated flight plan capability has now been restored,” a spokesperson said last night.

“All traffic management restrictions have been lifted and normal operations are expected.”