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PTI flights slowly getting back on track after nationwide grounding

The biggest issue we learned about from flyers at PTI Airport in Greensboro was mostly regarding connecting flights.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Flights in and out of Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro slowly got back on track Wednesday following a nationwide groundstop issued by the FAA. 

Many flyers we spoke with were able to get out of Greensboro without much delay. 

The biggest issue has been connecting flights. 

One family Daniel Crews spoke with was flying home to London and was going to have a seven-hour layover due to delays. 

Others had issues with connecting flights. Some even debated on taking a taxi to Charlotte to be certain they made their connection. 

David Rodriguez was flying to Miami. His American Airlines flight was delayed by an hour, which would put him in Charlotte at the same time his connection was set to take off. 

"I woke up this morning and a coworker of mind said, 'Hey, there's a big mess of the FAA' and I'm like, "Of course,' I had the choice to stay here or get stuck in Charlotte for the night, but there is no way I was making it to Tampa today," Rodriguez said. 

WHY DID THE FAA GROUND FLIGHTS?

According to the FAA, a nationwide ground stop was temporarily put in place after a glitch in the NOTAM or Notice to Air Missions system was discovered. 

Commercial pilots are required to check the NOTAM reports before takeoff. They contain specific information that pilots may need for a safe flight. 

We spoke with Captain Joseph Miller at Triad Aviation Academy who explained why these reports are so important. 

WHAT IS NOTAM?

"Each airport has in their NOTAMs, they put items like runway closures or navigation systems that are down for maintenance, light systems that are not working, and various items that are of interest to navigation in and out of the airport," Miller said. 

WHAT ARE AIRLINES DOING FOR FLYERS?

Delta and United Airlines have issued flight vouchers so passengers can make changes to their travel plans. 

Meanwhile, American, the busiest airline at PTI has been working to get passengers on earlier flights to help ease the backlog. 

If you are traveling Wednesday or Thursday, you will want to check with your airline to see if your flight has been impacted. 

So far, there's been no word from the FAA on what caused the problem. 

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