Why did Southwest Airlines cancel flights? What travelers need to know

Michael Salerno, Arizona Republic
Updated ·2 min read
3

Southwest Airlines grounded flights nationwide Tuesday morning after a technical glitch affected one of its internal data connection systems, the airline and the Federal Aviation Administration said.

About 122 Southwest flights were delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website.

Southwest has a history of difficulties with its computer systems, including a nationwide service disruption around the holidays in December 2022. The U.S. Department of Transportation said it would investigate the computer issues at Southwest.

Flight canceled or delayed? Here's how to rebook or get a refund on Southwest, American and other airlines

Southwest flights were delayed on April 18, 2023, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Southwest flights were delayed on April 18, 2023, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

Why were Southwest flights grounded?

A statement from Southwest and social media posts from the FAA blamed a technical issue for the grounding.

Southwest requested the pause to its departures, the FAA stated.

Southwest resumed its operations by 8:35 a.m.

How many Southwest delays and cancellations were reported on FlightAware?

At Sky Harbor Airport, about 122 Southwest flights were delayed on Tuesday, April 18.

Globally, Southwest delayed 1,849 flights and cancelled 11 flights as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to FlightAware.

Last August: Southwest Airlines computers went down at the Phoenix airport. Here's what happened

What can I do if I'm flying Southwest from Sky Harbor?

Southwest passengers with reservations to any destination on Tuesday, April 18, may rebook in their original class of service or travel standby at no additional charge, as long as travel is rebooked for within 14 days of the original travel date.

Passengers who booked through southwest.com or Southwest's mobile app and are flying domestically can reschedule online or from their mobile device.

Those who did not book online or who are traveling internationally must call 800-435-9792 to rebook.

More: Southwest Airlines gets its own concourse in Phoenix. Here's what's new for passengers

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Southwest Airlines flight cancellations: What travelers need to know