Delays, Cancellations After Delta's Epic Computer Collapse That Grounded Flights

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -  Around the globe, long lines and delays were just some of the things Delta passengers faced Monday after a computer problem forced the company to stop all its flights.

As of Monday evening, at least 56 flights out of Miami International Airport (MIA) were delayed or cancelled. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reported 133 delays and 18 cancellations.

The computer problems were apparently caused by a power problem, according to a statement from the Atlanta-based carrier.

"A power outage in Atlanta, which began at approximately 2:30 a.m. ET has impacted Delta computer systems and operations worldwide, resulting in flight delays. Large-scale cancellations are expected today. All flights en route are operating normally. We are aware that flight status systems, including airport screens, are incorrectly showing flights on time. We apologize to customers who are affected by this issue, and our teams are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible."

Monday morning, travelers arriving for flights had troubles checking in. Once they did, they were being held at the gate.

"I spoke with a Delta customer service rep and she basically said computers run everything these days and the computers were down, everything was down, and all flights were grounded," said Andy Alfonso at Miami International Airport (MIA) who was scheduled to fly to the Dominican Republic.

When planes finally got moving, they were hours late.

A family who came from a cruise won't make it back home to Germany Monday.

"We fly first to Atlanta and then to Deutschland," said Evee Dawkins who said his flight to Atlanta was cancelled after the computer problem.

"My flights delayed and we need to get back to the UK, so we're trying to see if we can book on an earlier flight because there only 55 minutes to our connection," said traveller Simone Owoo.

By Monday night, things weren't any better.

"We were on our way to the airport and then they said our flight was canceled.  And I'm trying to do that online and it won't let me do that," traveler Lisa Kirsch said. "I've been here for over a half hour.  It's not moving at all."

With two-thirds of its flights still delayed, Delta's boss issued an afternoon update online.

"I apologize for the challenges this has created for you with your travel experience. The Delta team is working very, very hard to restore and get these systems back as quickly as possible," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

Delta has refused to discuss details on the epic computer collapse that inconvenienced tens of thousands around the world.

Passengers whose flights were canceled or significantly delayed will get a refund. Other delayed passengers can reschedule without paying an additional fee.

Delta Flight Status from FlightAware

Flight Status At Miami International Airport

Flight Status At Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport