Southwest Airlines Data Center Power Outage Delays Over 1,400 Flights

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 31, 2024 09:30 AMNews
Share:
Southwest Airlines passenger plane on airport under gray cloudy sky. Source: unsplash

An IT-related issue forced Southwest Airlines to delay and cancel numerous flights on May 29, 2024. The problem, linked to a power outage at a data center in Dallas, Texas, caused significant disruptions for passengers, with over 1,400 flights delayed on that day.

According to FlightAware, Southwest Airlines experienced delays on 1,495 flights, representing 36% of its total schedule on May 29. Additionally, Flightradar24 data indicated that 40 flights were canceled. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed that a technology issue caused by the power outage affected the airline’s operations, resulting in widespread delays. However, they assured that flights scheduled for May 30 would not be impacted.

The power outage occurred shortly after severe weather hit Texas on May 28, exacerbating the disruption. Flight data revealed that out of 353 scheduled departures from Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), only 232 flights managed to depart. DAL, one of Southwest Airlines' major bases and the location of its headquarters, saw significant cancellations, with 211 flights affected on May 28.

In addition to the disruptions at DAL, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also experienced delays. Out of 1,065 flights, only 768 were able to depart. The severe weather not only caused delays and cancellations but also led to an incident where an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 was dislodged from its jet bridge at DFW. American Airlines confirmed that severe weather had affected its operations and that their maintenance teams were inspecting the dislodged aircraft.

This recent outage follows a major operational disruption that Southwest Airlines experienced during the 2022 Christmas holiday period. From December 21 to December 31, 2022, the airline had to cancel more than 16,700 flights due to a severe weather-related outage. This incident significantly impacted the airline's financial performance, with estimated pre-tax losses between $725 million and $825 million. The Q4 2022 financial results showed a net loss of $220 million for Southwest Airlines, primarily due to the operational meltdown.

As Southwest Airlines navigates these challenges, it continues to focus on minimizing disruptions and maintaining service reliability for its passengers.

Top Articles

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News

Lisbon Flights Return to Southern Brazil After Airport Reopens

Apr 3, 2025 08:27 AM

Railway Trespassing Risks Derail Travel Plans Across the UK

Apr 3, 2025 06:36 AM

Train Halt Between Gallarate and Rho to Affect April Travel

Apr 2, 2025 22:46 PM

New Flights from Bucharest Baneasa Unlock Easier City Breaks Across Europe

Apr 2, 2025 20:29 PM

Rail Europe Adds Renfe Reservations for Passholders

Apr 2, 2025 18:31 PM

SAS Adds 28 New Routes to Expand and Simplify Summer 2025 Travel

Apr 2, 2025 16:49 PM

Australians Can Capitalise on April Holidays to Unlock New Travel Opportunities

Apr 2, 2025 10:45 AM

Direct Flights from Varna Open Doors to New European and Middle Eastern Destinations

Apr 2, 2025 08:28 AM

Historic Osaka Hotel Reopens with Cultural Twist for Modern Travelers

Apr 2, 2025 06:32 AM

AirAsia Launches Low-Fare Offer Ahead of Peak Travel Season

Apr 1, 2025 22:47 PM

Vibrant Pride Celebrations Set to Reshape UK Travel in Summer 2025

Apr 1, 2025 20:34 PM

Direct Faro–Madeira Flights Simplify Travel Across Portugal This Summer

Apr 1, 2025 18:23 PM

Rural Escapes Gain Popularity Among Spring Travelers

Apr 1, 2025 16:49 PM

New Flight Route Connects Gatwick to the Shores of Cape Verde

Apr 1, 2025 14:36 PM

Condor Launches Vienna-Frankfurt Link to Boost Travel Access

Mar 31, 2025 23:39 PM

Global Hotel Recovery Transforms Traveler Expectations

Mar 31, 2025 21:44 PM

Cathay and Zurich Insurance Team Up to Enhance Travel Experience in Hong Kong

Mar 31, 2025 19:21 PM

Spring Travel at Risk as Scottish Bus Strike Looms

Mar 31, 2025 17:37 PM

Japan Airlines Expands Inflight Options With Paramount+

Mar 31, 2025 15:46 PM

New Hotel Openings Unlock More Affordable Stays Across Europe

Mar 31, 2025 13:23 PM

New Gatwick Scanners Ease Airport Security for Travellers

Mar 31, 2025 11:38 AM

Fewer Tourists Choose U.S. Amid Policy Backlash

Mar 30, 2025 22:47 PM

ITA Airways Relocates at Frankfurt and Munich Airports Simplifying Transfers

Mar 30, 2025 20:32 PM

Hotels Adopt Smart Systems to Modernize Guest Services

Mar 29, 2025 23:24 PM

China Airlines Adjusts Rules After Southeast Asia Earthquake

Mar 29, 2025 21:30 PM

Azuma Train Trial Hints at New London Arrival Option for Travellers

Mar 29, 2025 19:42 PM