Watch CBS News

Delays At Southwest Airlines After Computer Malfunction

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Computer problems are causing delays for travelers flying on Southwest Airlines at Midway Airport--and across the nation.

The airline acknowledged the problem on Wednesday afternoon as lines backed up deep into the terminal at Midway.

In a statement, airline spokesman Dan Landson said:

"Southwest Airlines began experiencing intermittent performance issues earlier this afternoon with multiple technology systems as a result of an outage. We are now managing flight delays across our system, with a temporary ground stop in place for those flights that have not left the gate."

One Midway passenger knew there was a problem when she was unable to check in for her flight while taking a taxi to the airport.

"The website was down, the app was down," said Donielle Amrein. "I called by sister and asked her to check and she said it just kept spinning."

Scores of customers across the country were complaining about the delays, while others were seeking updates, on Twitter.

Southwest Computer Problem
Passengers wait in lines at Midway Airport on Wednesday.

According to a passenger at Midway, Southwest is currently having to check in each passenger manually, which is causing the delay.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.