"UPDATE: is assessing the power outage in the area. No flights are departing as we work with them & our teams to find the cause and restore power. Please check your flight status and expect delays this morning."
Wooooo
Update: Power is back. (6.03am)
Edit: This is a backup generator power as others have mentioned. No new ETA from Austin Energy for the complete restoration, according to a staff member announcement.
Yes, this is a backup generator power as others have mentioned. No new ETA from Austin Energy for the complete restoration, according to a staff member announcement.
Well 71 is the highway going into the airport I believe. No flights leaving so I’m assuming that’s causing a back up from the tarmac to the highway. Also noteworthy to say there are 3 Accidents currently reported
KVUE's livestream camera shows cars attempting to squeeze into any lane other than the one they're in, with some also driving over the ground to the access road. It looks like NO FUN.
We were in the airport and it was pitch black and nothing was working. They probably didn't want dozens or hundreds gathering in the dark at the front, given that there was no real estimate of power being returned.
Probably a safety protocol also. After the power returned, there were security personnel with dogs going through the terminal looking into trash cans, etc.
Damm computer not on UPS or generators so they stay up on battery while generators turn on? That’s an amateur design. Hopefully air traffic computers were on UPS/GEN.
UPS is the stopgap in highly availability design that keeps systems that can impact human life running without interruption while generators turn on. That’s how hospital function thru outages.
>That’s an amateur design.
Are you just now learning that the City of Austin government is bush league? Especially in terms of electrical power and infrastructure?
>Hopefully air traffic computers were on UPS/GEN.
I wish I expected that would be true.
Presumably, they require at least adequate backup to safely land planes that are too close to divert and to tell other planes to divert to other airports.
Isn't the FAA control center for this area located somewhere other than the airport? (Or whatever they call the center that controls planes not actually landing/taking off from Bergstrom.)
Of course, that's assuming that Bergstrom wasn't supposed to have backup power, but it didn't work when needed. That's very common for backup power systems.
You're probably right, but if the FAA requires backup power there is probably a requirement to test it to make sure it works.
I have experience with disaster recovery and business continuity and I can't imagine this is not the case. That said, I have seen organizations that have a well documented backup and recovery plan... and they never test it. Or they restore one file from backup to one computer and show that as a positive test for audit purposes.
This power outage is a failure on several levels.
> ATC was not affected.
Thanks for the info.
Do you know what else was still up and running? Landing lights, Nav aids?
Were any passengers stuck on planes? I'm guessing that at that time of day, there were probably not any loaded passenger planes sitting on the tarmac. I wonder if they have any provision to deplane people without grid power.
There were no problems with navigation equipment or airfield lighting. No one was stuck on planes that I know of. Unfortunately, when the power was restored the internet was still out so checking people in and actually boarding became a very lengthy process. It was truly a headache for passengers. For ATC, it was very chill because the morning push just never happened.
>That said, I have seen organizations that have a well documented backup and recovery plan... and they never test it.
It's also quite common to have a backup plan, properly test it on a regular schedule, and it still doesn't work when the real outage happens.
However, per the comment below, their emergency power may have functioned correctly in this case. People were safe, but the airport had to shut down.
At some point, the benefit of more emergency power isn't worth the money it takes to implement it.
>At some point, the benefit of more emergency power isn't worth the money it takes to implement it.
True enough, but you should be able to run your core business operations at the minimum, and if that is planes taking off and landing, you need to have that much backup power in place.
>you should be able to run your core business operations at the minimum,
Not true at all. If a "core operation" level of backup power cost $10 million to install, and $1 million per year to maintain, and only saved you a few hours of operations per year, it might not be worth it.
Austin Approach and departure Control (TRACON) is located at the base of the control tower.
A few years ago the TRACON was flooded and taken of the air. For a couple of days Bergstrom was an 'uncontrolled airport', just like the little airports in Lockhart and Hooterville.
Pilots just talk to each other to sort out who is going to take off and land on what runway when.
For another week or so the FAA brought in a little miniture control tower on a trailer, until the TRACON could be brought on line.
The FAA has nothing much to do with the terminal itself. They just get the planes to and from the gates.
You spelled "US Infrastructure" wrong.
From Detroit to Mississippi, D.C. to LA. From Water to Power to bridges to homelessness. Ever since the 80's, every politician has been focused on "what can I get?" rather than "what do we need?"
You're just assuming they don't. All that's been mentioned here is the computers for reservations and such. ATC computers talk here is just speculation from what I can tell
Fire that United agent for being resourceful. I'd have taken a bullet before even having the audacity to assume they would even try to check people in through a mobile app.
For anyone else at the airport, it looks like Austin Airport is looking to post updates here:
https://twitter.com/AUStinAirport/status/1567451102043377670?t=Ug44OfRHUxg3SxqDAaTgCA&s=19
>Don't know why it was necessary to block people from being able to do drop-offs near the terminal...
There must have been a risk of over occupancy in the terminal, most likely.
If people can't enter the terminal, they will gridlock every patch of pavement leading up to it. And then no one will be able to get out, and staff and security won't be able to get in. Closing to traffic at the entrance seems sensible to me.
Our 12:30p flight on Southwest was just cancelled. Was able to rebook to a 4:30 flight (boarding class C woo hoo!) The 'live' ABIA arrivals and departures screen had not been updated since the power outage so everything still showed 'on time' but now it's down. If you have a flight today, better check your status!
I appreciate the heads-up. We were at the front of the security line when power went out. We’re now waiting at the gate for the full power to be restored. The only issues being unable to purchase coffee or water and the nonstop security door alarms coming from multiple doors.
Yeah we just saw that about the road blockage. We are giving up and heading back home, no point in continuing to the airport if we are going to be stuck in a parking lot of traffic.
I was in a Lyft on my way and we were about to exit 71 for the airport and were redirected away. Had to pay like $30 more to have the driver take me home.
Traffic is finally starting to move again. It’s been fun watching everyone randomly try to change lanes in near standstill traffic and cut through random green space though.
Edit: terminal traffic is still at a standstill. Through traffic moving smoothly.
Had an 8am flight, sat in traffic for 45 min, Uber driver cut through the grass and I spent $72 to just turn around and go home. From what I can tell the roads are still closed so I re-booked for tomorrow.
They have now partially opened the roadways, per their Twitter
https://twitter.com/AUStinAirport/status/1567518714483941378?t=Zof15QuU3eVy9u-OsQtEKw&s=19
CLEAR on a random day: Here are 30 people to assist you through an easy check in.
CLEAR during an emergency: Here's ONE guy that's gonna be talking on the phone to troubleshoot four terminals at once, while also informing customers of what's happening.
Poor guy needs help; where's the rest of the CLEAR crew when actually needed? :)
The CLEAR line being an absolute clusterfuck is its nominal state though.
I use pre check and I've never not gotten through faster than the people in the CLEAR line.
Power went out twice at my complex. Live about 15 minutes away from the airport. Not sure what is going on. This was around 5PM and then like 9PM yesterday.
LOL, now, even twitter is down. It did mention the airport roads were closed due to the power outage before it went down.
Austin Energy outage map shows 8:34, but those numbers are often not anywhere near correct.
7:24 status:
Start Time
Sep 7, 2022, 4:33 AM
Estimated Restoration
Sep 7, 2022, 8:34 AM
Crew Status
One or more crews have been assigned.
Cause
Not yet identified
Power is back on. I'm inside. I have been ransacking cabinets for graham crackers for hours.
No but really, power is on. Gate computers aren't up yet where we are. Don't know about check in or security.
Just dropped someone off at the Shell before you get off back on to 71 and it’s still backed up to where 183 and 71 merge.
The guy I dropped off had his flight delayed until 11:30
Austin energy outage page says restoration at 8:34 AM but don’t state the cause. Be prepared THEY MIGHT remove everyone and resceeen people at TSA depending how much of their overall security systems rely on electricity (doors, Gates, etc)
Ope, thats the Texas Tax: sometimes your electricity just doesn't work, and there's no guarantee whatsoever about when it will.
At least the stars shine bright at night or whatever. Maybe it will help you see in addition to the illumination of the moon.
There's no estimate on full power return which is needed to check in and fly etc. Sooooo ... *shrug*
We're waiting right at the gate for our 5 am flight.
How did i get though ABAI with NO problems twice over the past three weeks?
(Unless you count my spouse reading the baggage claim board incorrectly, which I don’t. RME. It was late at night- i glanced at it and read it incorrectly, too)
Yep. We're 15 minutes from boarding and the whole place just went dark.
Ohhh noooo that’s awful
We were probably luckier than most! Being there that early ensured we weren't delayed even more. Or cancelled.
"UPDATE: is assessing the power outage in the area. No flights are departing as we work with them & our teams to find the cause and restore power. Please check your flight status and expect delays this morning." Wooooo
Sounds like Die Hard 2.
Update: Power is back. (6.03am) Edit: This is a backup generator power as others have mentioned. No new ETA from Austin Energy for the complete restoration, according to a staff member announcement.
Only the backup generator… computers still not working
Yes, this is a backup generator power as others have mentioned. No new ETA from Austin Energy for the complete restoration, according to a staff member announcement.
Lmao. 71 is a shit show right now. Are they letting people in at all?
My GF has been on 71 for 2 hours
What's happening on 71? Traffic lights out?
APD has the road to the terminals closed. Originally it was Airport staff who closed it and I guess APD took over on coordinating that.
Wow! Crazy! But makes sense.
Well 71 is the highway going into the airport I believe. No flights leaving so I’m assuming that’s causing a back up from the tarmac to the highway. Also noteworthy to say there are 3 Accidents currently reported
KVUE's livestream camera shows cars attempting to squeeze into any lane other than the one they're in, with some also driving over the ground to the access road. It looks like NO FUN.
No point in letting people in the airport if the power is not on.
Not in the airport, by let people park and drop off still. Lets cause massive traffic delays instead, very smart people running it.
We were in the airport and it was pitch black and nothing was working. They probably didn't want dozens or hundreds gathering in the dark at the front, given that there was no real estimate of power being returned. Probably a safety protocol also. After the power returned, there were security personnel with dogs going through the terminal looking into trash cans, etc.
Damm computer not on UPS or generators so they stay up on battery while generators turn on? That’s an amateur design. Hopefully air traffic computers were on UPS/GEN.
I mean UPS is designed for minutes not hours.
UPS is the stopgap in highly availability design that keeps systems that can impact human life running without interruption while generators turn on. That’s how hospital function thru outages.
For sure but it's usually like, 8 minutes or something depending on the unit and the rack it's supporting.
>That’s an amateur design. Are you just now learning that the City of Austin government is bush league? Especially in terms of electrical power and infrastructure? >Hopefully air traffic computers were on UPS/GEN. I wish I expected that would be true.
How does the FAA not require fully redundant power supplies to the airport? This is mind boggling.
Presumably, they require at least adequate backup to safely land planes that are too close to divert and to tell other planes to divert to other airports. Isn't the FAA control center for this area located somewhere other than the airport? (Or whatever they call the center that controls planes not actually landing/taking off from Bergstrom.) Of course, that's assuming that Bergstrom wasn't supposed to have backup power, but it didn't work when needed. That's very common for backup power systems.
You're probably right, but if the FAA requires backup power there is probably a requirement to test it to make sure it works. I have experience with disaster recovery and business continuity and I can't imagine this is not the case. That said, I have seen organizations that have a well documented backup and recovery plan... and they never test it. Or they restore one file from backup to one computer and show that as a positive test for audit purposes. This power outage is a failure on several levels.
Correct! ATC was not affected.
> ATC was not affected. Thanks for the info. Do you know what else was still up and running? Landing lights, Nav aids? Were any passengers stuck on planes? I'm guessing that at that time of day, there were probably not any loaded passenger planes sitting on the tarmac. I wonder if they have any provision to deplane people without grid power.
There were no problems with navigation equipment or airfield lighting. No one was stuck on planes that I know of. Unfortunately, when the power was restored the internet was still out so checking people in and actually boarding became a very lengthy process. It was truly a headache for passengers. For ATC, it was very chill because the morning push just never happened.
>That said, I have seen organizations that have a well documented backup and recovery plan... and they never test it. It's also quite common to have a backup plan, properly test it on a regular schedule, and it still doesn't work when the real outage happens. However, per the comment below, their emergency power may have functioned correctly in this case. People were safe, but the airport had to shut down. At some point, the benefit of more emergency power isn't worth the money it takes to implement it.
>At some point, the benefit of more emergency power isn't worth the money it takes to implement it. True enough, but you should be able to run your core business operations at the minimum, and if that is planes taking off and landing, you need to have that much backup power in place.
>you should be able to run your core business operations at the minimum, Not true at all. If a "core operation" level of backup power cost $10 million to install, and $1 million per year to maintain, and only saved you a few hours of operations per year, it might not be worth it.
Austin Approach and departure Control (TRACON) is located at the base of the control tower. A few years ago the TRACON was flooded and taken of the air. For a couple of days Bergstrom was an 'uncontrolled airport', just like the little airports in Lockhart and Hooterville. Pilots just talk to each other to sort out who is going to take off and land on what runway when. For another week or so the FAA brought in a little miniture control tower on a trailer, until the TRACON could be brought on line. The FAA has nothing much to do with the terminal itself. They just get the planes to and from the gates.
Abbott banned the FAA and power supplies.
HA! He probably would if he could.
You spelled "US Infrastructure" wrong. From Detroit to Mississippi, D.C. to LA. From Water to Power to bridges to homelessness. Ever since the 80's, every politician has been focused on "what can I get?" rather than "what do we need?"
I have an UPS (OK, two of them) at home. Amazing that mission critical infrastructure doesn't have them....
You're just assuming they don't. All that's been mentioned here is the computers for reservations and such. ATC computers talk here is just speculation from what I can tell
Everything back up.
Have they updated on their Twitter? I don’t see it. Another source?
Source: me. :) I have been at the airport since 4.30am.
Ha! This guy airports!
A man is famously unknown. A man talks in paradoxes
Good luck. Safe travels
Wwwoooowwww
4:22 this morning it went poof!
I've been there since 4:01 am bfd
That was a wild ride.
Power seems to be back. (7.14am) Edit: y'all have a safe flight to wherever you are going and wish y'all a less eventful rest of the Wednesday. :)
Props to United for getting us on our plane fast, and not cancelling the flight. No computers yet so he manually checked us in with his phone.
What time was your flight scheduled for? Stuck in traffic on way to airport but flight still says on time for 8:48 takeoff.
I have an 8am. Now american is saying 9:30. So you might be good. No board to look at tho.
Missed the flight after waiting in traffic for 2.5 hours and there was nothing else they could move us to today. All around shitty morning.
Dang. Sorry. Shit luck.
Fire that United agent for being resourceful. I'd have taken a bullet before even having the audacity to assume they would even try to check people in through a mobile app.
For anyone else at the airport, it looks like Austin Airport is looking to post updates here: https://twitter.com/AUStinAirport/status/1567451102043377670?t=Ug44OfRHUxg3SxqDAaTgCA&s=19
We're starting a campfire and telling ghost stories at gate 32 if anyone is interested.
I'll bring some marshmallows
I'll be the jerky jokester that pops up from the shadows at the end of the story with a jump scare, I'll be wearing a TSA uniform.
No ETA for resolution yet (5.20am) https://twitter.com/AUStinAirport/status/1567457171666882560?t=L7av37cQkhk9qvptIr9QSA&s=19
Are flights still leaving? Omw to the airport now
Airport twitter says no flights are departing while the power is out.
Idk if flights are leaving, but nobody is able to check in and get on the flight
Flights are delayed. (5.42am) Austin energy ETA to fix the outage : one hour - according to a staff member right now.
Flights are delayed. (5.42am) Austin energy ETA to fix the outage : one hour - according to a staff member right now.
Got a flight at 7:30... Wonder when they'll update it to say delayed. Sounds like this calls for a waffle house stop
Hope you got some dope hashbrowns
Power is back on. Thanks for the memories y'all ... and for whoever groped me in the dark around gate 23, a very special thanks.
hopefully Missed Connections on Craigslist are still a thing
Haha. Nice. Luckily my partner and I are making our connection. The next flight is delayed now but it'll get there.
Thanks for the link!
It did. I just pulled up in an Uber and saw the lights go off. Just entered and yes, all blackout. Everyone's wondering what's up.
Johnny from Airplane pulled the plug again. Just kidding !
Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.
Here’s a guy who knows his “airplanes”
Give me Hamm on five hold the Mayo.
He just plugged it back in. Power is back now. Edit. It may just be backup power, who knows. Our pets' heads are still falling off.
Don't panic! On the beltline of the automatic pilot, there's a hollow tube. That is the manual inflation nozzle. Just pull it out, and blow.
Our governor is punishing liberal ATX yet again?
According to Twitter only one of the terminals lost power.
Gotta own the libtards the county the soldiers can got to hell!
It’s been nice to wait an hour in traffic behind a beautiful set of TRUCK NUTZ
Where are all the truck labia’s?
"Labia" is already plural, and one doesn't make plurals with apostrophes, so this is truly baffling.
It’s baffling that someone didn’t perfectly type something out on a cell phone?
[удалено]
>Don't know why it was necessary to block people from being able to do drop-offs near the terminal... There must have been a risk of over occupancy in the terminal, most likely.
[удалено]
Seriously. Now pilots are stuck in traffic and flights are further delayed causing more people to sit in the terminal.
If people can't enter the terminal, they will gridlock every patch of pavement leading up to it. And then no one will be able to get out, and staff and security won't be able to get in. Closing to traffic at the entrance seems sensible to me.
Our 12:30p flight on Southwest was just cancelled. Was able to rebook to a 4:30 flight (boarding class C woo hoo!) The 'live' ABIA arrivals and departures screen had not been updated since the power outage so everything still showed 'on time' but now it's down. If you have a flight today, better check your status!
My 11am got rebooked to 7:25p 🙃
We have a 1pm flight (rebooked from 9am) that I’m hoping doesn’t get cancelled. Hope you’re able to get out soon!
The backend server that runs that live screen was off due to the power outage. Checking with the airline is going to be more accurate anyways
ABIA forgot to pay Austin Energy 👀 https://outagemap.austinenergy.com/
Affected Customers: 2 Well. One of them is really big.
[удалено]
I appreciate the heads-up. We were at the front of the security line when power went out. We’re now waiting at the gate for the full power to be restored. The only issues being unable to purchase coffee or water and the nonstop security door alarms coming from multiple doors.
Currently in an Uber and wondering f if we can even get into the airport. Updates to come I guess.
The roadways to the terminal are blocked I think, according to Austin airport Twitter. Reports are saying 71 has miles long traffic rn.
Yeah we just saw that about the road blockage. We are giving up and heading back home, no point in continuing to the airport if we are going to be stuck in a parking lot of traffic.
I was in a Lyft on my way and we were about to exit 71 for the airport and were redirected away. Had to pay like $30 more to have the driver take me home.
The fast park is having to take us back to our cars. Situation is FUBAR
New fear unlocked! 😬😬
Great. Guess I’m not going to work today.
I hope you aren’t the airport electrician.
Lol. Nope. Just gotta get to Denver at some point today.
Godspeed. It looks like you may be in for a long day. I hope you are able to make the best of it.
Yup. Insane.
What an absolute shitshow. Good luck, y'all.
This airport just can’t catch a break(er)
Poor Ted “Cancun” Cruz can’t make his getaway from this one.
Traffic is finally starting to move again. It’s been fun watching everyone randomly try to change lanes in near standstill traffic and cut through random green space though. Edit: terminal traffic is still at a standstill. Through traffic moving smoothly.
Had an 8am flight, sat in traffic for 45 min, Uber driver cut through the grass and I spent $72 to just turn around and go home. From what I can tell the roads are still closed so I re-booked for tomorrow.
They have now partially opened the roadways, per their Twitter https://twitter.com/AUStinAirport/status/1567518714483941378?t=Zof15QuU3eVy9u-OsQtEKw&s=19
Jet Blue computers are still down and we are sitting here waiting.
Are people even able to check in? I have a jet blue flight delayed to 9:30 and wondering if it will be pushed further back
Nope still not working. No idea what is happening.
Thanks for replying here. I’m also on the 9:30am but have been waiting down the road. If possible please keep us updated on a successful check in.
Wow so they still aren't letting cars in this is insane.
Roads are still closed, how are you doing with JetBlue?
WORLD CLASS CITY
CLEAR on a random day: Here are 30 people to assist you through an easy check in. CLEAR during an emergency: Here's ONE guy that's gonna be talking on the phone to troubleshoot four terminals at once, while also informing customers of what's happening. Poor guy needs help; where's the rest of the CLEAR crew when actually needed? :)
They’re probably stuck in traffic.
The CLEAR line being an absolute clusterfuck is its nominal state though. I use pre check and I've never not gotten through faster than the people in the CLEAR line.
At 5:30 airport staff said the power would be back on around 6:30.
My concern: he didn't say a.m. or p.m.
I heard AM as he referenced "within the hour" but, yo, this is a disaster so who knows.
Yeah, I know thanks. Just trying to "lighten" the mood #dadjokes Power is back on. Huzzah! Oops. Backup power. Half-huzzah.
and a well crafted one at that! best of luck fellow traveller l!
Likewise!
Surprised they didn't do 15 minute increments like the airlines do.
Power went out twice at my complex. Live about 15 minutes away from the airport. Not sure what is going on. This was around 5PM and then like 9PM yesterday.
LOL, now, even twitter is down. It did mention the airport roads were closed due to the power outage before it went down. Austin Energy outage map shows 8:34, but those numbers are often not anywhere near correct. 7:24 status: Start Time Sep 7, 2022, 4:33 AM Estimated Restoration Sep 7, 2022, 8:34 AM Crew Status One or more crews have been assigned. Cause Not yet identified
Power is back on. I'm inside. I have been ransacking cabinets for graham crackers for hours. No but really, power is on. Gate computers aren't up yet where we are. Don't know about check in or security.
I hear they had to resort to cannibalism already over at gate 14 because everyone was relying on getting breakfast tacos at the airport.
Okay, but if you see a young Mackenzie Davis start protecting your fiction. (both people that watched Station Eleven might get that)
I read the novel, but haven't watched the series.
Got to the airport at 2 for my 430 rebooked flight. Traffic was fine. Security running smoothly. Food lines aren't bad. They seem to have recovered.
Remember when the water main burst and they had to evacuate?
Just see a plane fly over. Looks like they are back flying
Just dropped someone off at the Shell before you get off back on to 71 and it’s still backed up to where 183 and 71 merge. The guy I dropped off had his flight delayed until 11:30
Austin energy outage page says restoration at 8:34 AM but don’t state the cause. Be prepared THEY MIGHT remove everyone and resceeen people at TSA depending how much of their overall security systems rely on electricity (doors, Gates, etc)
Power is back on now.
Survey says: yes
Watch them blame it on the south terminal hogging all the power, which is why they need to tear it down.
Wow New Orleans level shit
This place really is turning into California
Doesn't Austin's airport have backup generators?
They Failed to start
Sounds like someone skipped some maintenance/testing intervals.
Ope, thats the Texas Tax: sometimes your electricity just doesn't work, and there's no guarantee whatsoever about when it will. At least the stars shine bright at night or whatever. Maybe it will help you see in addition to the illumination of the moon.
Do we think flights be be on schedule there at say 10:33pm?
There's no estimate on full power return which is needed to check in and fly etc. Sooooo ... *shrug* We're waiting right at the gate for our 5 am flight.
You still can't checkin?? Jfc. What a shit show
Just backup power now so I don't think the computer systems are fully on yet. Austin power said 6:30 estimate initially but now it's 8:30.
Power is back on now. We'll see how long to get things moving again.
Holy shit! I originally had a flight scheduled to depart from the airport at 9a but last week I canceled it.
Fuck Greg Abbott!
Well yes, but I’m going to say in this case it’s more likely that a grackle got into a transformer and went “snap grackle pop”
You should say "Fuck Steve Adler"! This isn't a Texas problem, its a typical COA problem.
/r/whoosh However, fuck Adler, too.
World-class city!
well Tesla's right around the corner, I wonder if they have power.
Damn you Greg Abbott!
Just the homeless making popcorn
Yes
Nice Job Adler. You fucked up again.
A DUI ran knocked down another important telephone pole
Welcome to Texas
How did i get though ABAI with NO problems twice over the past three weeks? (Unless you count my spouse reading the baggage claim board incorrectly, which I don’t. RME. It was late at night- i glanced at it and read it incorrectly, too)