Austrian Airlines Cancels Long-Distance Flights to Chicago Due to Technical Issues

Austrian Airlines (AUA), a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is currently experiencing disruptions in its long-haul flight schedule. The issue arose when one of its two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft became incapacitated in Chicago, as reported by Austrian aviation magazine, Austrian Wings.

On June 12, during flight OS65, which was traveling from Vienna to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a malfunction was detected in the electronic engine control system of the aircraft designated OE-LPM. Following the plane's arrival in Chicago, the central engine computer was replaced. However, during the pushback for the subsequent flight OS66, another fault message was triggered, causing the aircraft to return to the gate.

The inspection and repair of the fault exceeded the legally permitted working hours for the crew assigned to that flight, which made it impossible to proceed with the return flight from Chicago to Vienna.

Austrian Airlines has confirmed that efforts to resolve the technical issues are ongoing. The cancellation of the flight from Vienna to Chicago on Friday has already been implemented.

In an additional development, Austrian Airlines, along with all other airlines within the Lufthansa Group, has suspended flights to Tehran indefinitely. This decision follows Israel's recent military action against Iran, which has led to the temporary restriction of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel.

The airline currently operates two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which were added to its long-haul fleet last year. The ongoing technical challenges, combined with geopolitical tensions, present substantial operational hurdles for the airline.