Virgin Blue struggles today to resume normal operations after last Sunday's computer glitch caused reservations and check-in systems to malfunction. As a result, thousands of passengers were stranded and close to 120 flights were cancelled, with another 400 affected.
The system, powered by Navitaire, went back online last night, but delays are predicted to continue until the backlog is cleared up.
Virgin boss Richard Branson, who is in Jakarta, apologised to customers, adding that "it's been a terrible 24 hours".
A statement from the discount airline read: “The Virgin Blue Group advises that our airport check-in and boarding systems are back online. We expect most of our affected guests onto flights today.” It is reimbursing travellers up to A$220 (US$211) for hotel stays and transportation as well as free re-booking options.
The airline also advised passengers to postpone non-essential travel until the problem had been sorted out.
For more information and updates, visit www.virginblue.com.au
Alisha Haridasani