Computer Glitch Grounds Augusta Air Passengers

Augusta, GA—It gave one passenger time to really enjoy her first visit to the new Augusta Regional Airport terminal. “I’m very impressed with the airport it’s just absolutely beautiful and I’ve also been impressed with the way they kept us informed as to what was happening,” said Sally Fisher, of Evans, waiting on ASA flight to Atlanta, to connect to Dallas.

What was happening had dozens and dozens of Delta passengers grounded.

The tot boards spelled trouble at Augusta Regional Airport, showing delays in getting to Atlanta…three inbound flights delayed, the same with three on the way to Atlanta. A computer glitch was grounding and delaying flights all over the country.

“I didn’t know what that meant then all of a sudden they said all flights are grounded so I was thinking we’d be here all night,” said Tony Ling, who was on his way to Dayton Ohio, after a business trip to Augusta.

Flying in this era is often stressful, and passengers can develop cases of air rage, but nobody was flying off the handle.

“I’d rather be safe, and late and stay then take any chance but everybody in Augusta has been wonderful about this,” said Deputy Marshal Porter Freeman.

Sally Fisher was taking it in stride and was not blaming fate or the flying Gods. “Not at all this is happening it’s accepted and you go with the flow,” she said.

The worse delays at Augusta Regional were in the two hour plus range, shortly after 11 AM, two flights finally got free from Atlanta and landed at Bush Field.

Airport officials said, by early afternoon, things had returned to normal.