FAA’s NOTAM System Experiences Outage, Backup Activated to Prevent Major Disruptions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently addressing a temporary outage of its primary Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system, a critical tool for providing safety notifications to pilots and flight crews.

The disruption began late Saturday, February 1, 2025, prompting the activation of a backup system to ensure continuity in air travel operations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed via social media that the contingency measures have prevented any immediate impact on the National Airspace System.

“All necessary notifications remain accessible through the backup system,” Duffy stated, adding that the FAA is investigating the root cause of the outage and will issue updates every 30 minutes.

Impact on Flights and Operations

Despite the operational backup, residual delays have been reported. As of early Sunday, over 360 flights within, entering, or leaving the U.S. were delayed, with 59 cancellations recorded.

Airlines such as Delta and United have assured passengers that their operations remain unaffected due to alternative procedures in place.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules as minor disruptions may persist throughout Sunday.

The FAA has also activated a hotline to facilitate communication with aviation stakeholders.

Historical Context and System Modernization

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the aging infrastructure of the NOTAM system.

The FAA has faced similar outages in recent years, including a significant disruption in January 2023 that resulted in a nationwide ground stop affecting thousands of flights.

Efforts to modernize the system are underway but have been hindered by challenges such as outdated technology and limited support for replacement parts.

Next Steps

The FAA is working diligently to restore the primary NOTAM system while ensuring minimal disruption through its contingency measures.

Updates on the situation will be provided regularly as investigations continue into the cause of this outage.

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