Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Loses Power

A power outage at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport prompted the FAA to issue a groundstop, cancelling both incoming and outgoing flights at the world's busiest airport. The power outage was reported at around 1 p.m. leaving passengers in the dark, and staff unable to perform even basic functions the airport needs to function. 

Crews from Georgia Power are reportedly working to restore power, but until they do, all flights have been halted. That's led to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations for passengers all over the country. Atlanta serves as a hub for Delta, which means the effects of the power outage have already been felt at airports all over the U.S.. 

Up to 100 planes with passengers are stuck on the tarmac the FAA confirmed. Multiple airlines, including Southwest and Delta Airlines say they've begun deplaning passengers by sliding them down airstairs. 

Passengers are being told to check the status of their flights online or their airlines directly. Flights heading for Atlanta are being held at their departure airport while inbound flights to Atlanta are being diverted. 

Photos and videos on social media show terminals that are pitch black, with people using the flashlight on their cellphones to light their path. People in wheelchairs were seen being carried down stopped escalators and stairwells. 

According to FlightRadar42, more than 600 flights to and from Atlanta have been cancelled with more than 450 of those from Delta. Southwest Airlines has also cancelled all operations in and out of Atlanta for the rest of the day. Customers are being offered re-bookings without any fare differences according to a spokesperson with the airline. 

Georgia Power says they're working with the airport to determine the cause of the outage. Atlanta police are discouraging anyone from heading to the airport until authorities are able to fix the power outage. No injuries have been reported, and everything has been orderly so far according to an Atlanta police spokesperson. 

Photo: Getty Images


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