Delhi Airport Flight Operations Disruption Resolved After AMSS Glitch, Minor Delays Persist

A significant technical malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport caused widespread disruption to flight operations on Friday. The system is crucial for processing flight plans and air traffic control communications.

Impact: The glitch led to delays in over 800 domestic and international flights and caused a few cancellations, severely impacting airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Passengers faced long queues and average departure delays of nearly 50 minutes.

Resolution: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the AMSS system has been successfully resolved. To fix the issue, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and dedicated technical teams were involved, and manual processing of flight plans was undertaken to ensure safe air traffic.

Current Status: Although the system is now functional, the AAI indicated that minor delays may persist temporarily due to processing backlogs. A review meeting was held involving the Civil Aviation Secretary and AAI officials to ensure a swift return to normalcy.

Impact on Investors: This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical IT infrastructure in the aviation sector. For investors, it underscores operational risks for airlines and airport infrastructure providers. While the immediate disruption is resolved, recurring issues could impact airline profitability and passenger confidence.

Rating: 6/10

Difficult Terms: - Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS): A critical computer system used in airports to automatically send, receive, and manage messages related to flight plans, air traffic control instructions, and other operational information. It ensures efficient and reliable communication for air traffic management. - Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): The company that originally manufactured a particular product or system, in this case, the AMSS. They are often involved in troubleshooting and repairs of their equipment. - Air Traffic Controllers: Professionals responsible for guiding aircraft safely and efficiently through the airspace and on the ground. - Flight Plans: Detailed documents filed by pilots before a flight, outlining the intended route, altitude, speed, and other essential information for air traffic control.