UpdateTravel nightmare as sudden power cut brings world’s busiest airport to a standstill

The blackout at Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport lasted almost 12 hours, grounded more than 1,000 flights and threw schedules into chaos before the Christmas rush

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Passengers affected by a widespread power outage wait at the International Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Published: 8:40am, 18 Dec 2017Updated: 11:09pm, 18 Dec 2017

A sudden power cut caused by a fire in an underground electrical facility brought the world’s busiest airport to a standstill on Sunday, grounding more than 1,000 flights in Atlanta just days before the start of the Christmas travel rush.

It took almost 12 hours before electricity was fully restored to Jackson Atlanta International, which fell dark at 1pm on Sunday.

Georgia Power said on Twitter that power was back in the airport’s atrium and several concourses. Just after midnight, the airport tweeted: “Power has been restored on all concourses. 5,000+ meals are being delivered to passengers. Trains will be operational soon.”

Passengers affected by a widespread power outage wait in long lines at the International Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlant. Photo: EPA

The power cut stopped all outgoing flights, and arriving planes were held on the ground at their point of departure. International flights were diverted, officials said.

Mayor Kasim Reed tweeted that all passengers had left their planes safely.