UPDATE: The FAA says the glitch was a “failure” they attribute to a “software configuration problem within the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure in Salt Lake City.” Atlanta’s National Airspace Data Interchange Network, which processes flight planning, was affected because it relies on the Salt Lake services.

“We will be a mess all day.”

So said a spokesman for AirTran Airways, about this morning’s computer glitch in the system that pilots use to file flight plans.

The system went down early this morning, and has since been restored, but it’s left in its wake many delayed and cancelled flights (AirTran alone has canceled 22, so far). Flights out of Atlanta were particularly hard hit, but that’s where the computer system, called National Airspace Data Interchange Network, is located.

UPDATE: now airlines are saying delays are easing and the situation is stabilizing (but if any of you fliers are still stuck out there, drop me a line).

For what it’s worth, the FAA has said safety has not been an issue. Fine, but – initial reports indicate this may be the same system that went down in August of last year. Can we fix it, please?

My advice: check with your airline’s website before you head to the airport today. Or call.