American Airlines is expecting delays over the holidays as a major software issue grounds hundreds of planes.
The carrier said Friday that a software change on a significant number of Airbus A320 jets is expected to impact about 340 planes.
American Airlines said in a statement shared by multiple outlets that the vast majority of affected planes should have their software updated by “today or tomorrow.”
The software issue comes at a chaotic time for airlines as 6 million U.S. travelers fly domestically over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association.
open image in galleryIt’s currently unclear when the issue will be fully resolved, but American Airlines said it is “intently focused on limiting flight cancellations – especially with customers returning home from holiday travel.”
“Still, our overriding priority will always be the safety of our operation. It’s all hands on deck across our airline to address this Airbus software issue and take care of any customers whose flights are affected,” the carrier said.
The Independent has reached out to American Airlines for comment.
Delta Air Lines also expects some of its planes to be affected by the software issue.
"As safety comes before everything else, Delta will fully comply with a directive and expects any resulting operational impact to be limited," the carrier told USA TODAY.
open image in galleryIn total, more than 3,000 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were delayed, and over 70 more were canceled on Friday, according to data from FlightAware.
This is the latest problem to hit American travelers after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history created mass delays and cancellations last month.
American Airlines was recently in the headlines after one of its planes, bound for Phoenix, had to make an emergency landing in Houston following reports of fumes in the cabin and flight deck.
Four flight attendants and one passenger were taken to the hospital as a precaution, American Airlines said.
