System-wide technology issues led Southwest Airlines to delay more than 1,400 flights and cancel 500 others across the country Saturday, including at both of Chicago's major airports, according to the airline.
Long lines were seen at O'Hare International Airport Saturday afternoon, hours after Southwest reported to have experienced "intermittent technology issues following routine overnight maintenance."
According to the flight tracking website Flightaware.com., as of 9:35 p.m., 1,457 Southwest flights had been delayed an additional 500 had been canceled.
Delays at Midway International Airport average 61 minutes Saturday evening, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare International Airport reported a shorter average wait time of less than 15 minutes.
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In a statement, Southwest apologized to customers for the problems they encountered.
"...We offer heartfelt apologies to our Customers for any inconvenience, and gratitude to our Employees who are working diligently to make it up to them," an airline spokesperson said. "We’ll continue to update Customers whose journey with us today might be delayed as result of the now-resolved issues."
