On Christmas Eve 2024, American Airlines experienced a nationwide flight grounding caused by a significant technical issue linked to network hardware managed by DXC Technology. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop, which was lifted just before 8 a.m. ET, allowing flights to resume operations.
This disruption came during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, affecting thousands of holiday travelers. Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte Douglas, and Miami faced hundreds of delayed flights. In addition to the technical failure, severe weather conditions, including storms in northern Texas, exacerbated the situation and further delayed flights.
American Airlines has apologized to passengers and is working diligently to restore normal operations. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and allow extra time for holiday travel.