Regulators cleared American Airlines flights early Tuesday after a brief shutdown due to a system-wide technical problem.
Shortly before 7 a.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights to land in the US at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical problem affecting its entire system with millions of people traveling for the holiday.
In social media responses to frustrated travelers, the airline said: “Our team is currently working to correct this. Your continued patience is appreciated.”
The company has not issued a press release explaining the problem, and an email was not immediately returned.
A post on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website acknowledged the airline’s request for a “nationwide ground” for all American Airlines and its subsidiary airlines.
The landing came with millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days.
The Transportation Security Administration plans to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through Jan. 2.