Flight delays are affecting Australia as a technical issue disrupts the sharing of flight plans nationwide.

An extensive IT outage has crippled Airservices Australia’s ability to process flight plans automatically, forcing staff to handle the process manually, which is causing delays.

This organization is tasked with ensuring the “safe, orderly flow” of aircraft departures throughout the country.

The root of the issue has been traced to Airservices Australia’s Melbourne Air Traffic Service Centre, which oversees air traffic control for the southern region of Australia’s airspace.

“The main operational capability being impacted is that we have reverted to manual entering of flight plans in some circumstances,” a spokesperson explained.

Virgin Australia says there are “multiple delays across our network” tonight.

“The issue is preventing all Australian airlines from lodging or receiving approved flight plans required for take-off,” Virgin said.

“As a result, we are experiencing multiple delays across our network. We appreciate the patience of all travellers as we work through a solution, and we will provide an update once more information is known.”

Airservices Australia said only some of its communication systems were being impacted.

“Safety, air traffic control and communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft are unaffected,” it said.

“To maintain safety while we work to rectify the issue, traffic management measures have been implemented at Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide Airports.”

Airservices Australia said “some departures may be delayed”.

“Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines.”