Technical problems at several major airports on the US East Coast have led to widespread disruption to air traffic. Over 400 flights have been cancelled and more than 4,000 delayed on Monday. SAS traffic to Stockholm is also affected.

The problems began around 7 p.m. Swedish time and first affected Newark, New York. Shortly after, disruptions occurred in Philadelphia.

Later, the airspace over New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports was temporarily closed. Traffic there was reportedly able to resume around 8:30 p.m. Swedish time.

The disruptions have had knock-on effects on air traffic across the United States, with more than 400 flights canceled and over 4,000 delayed on Monday.

SAS flights to Arlanda cancelled

The problems also affect traffic between the US and Sweden.

An SAS flight that was due to arrive at Stockholm Arlanda on Tuesday morning at 7:15 a.m. has been canceled.

At 8:30 p.m. on Monday evening, there was reportedly no forecast for when air traffic would return to normal operations.

Electrical faults and fiber breaks behind the problems

According to ABC News, the problems arose after an electrical fault at the Philadelphia airport.

When the backup system was to be put into operation, it turned out that this was also affected by a fiber cable break in connection with a construction site in New Jersey.

Ahead of the UN meeting in New York

The disruptions occur at the same time as world leaders are on their way to New York for the UN General Assembly.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is one of the travelers affected. His flight from Canada to New York has been canceled, according to the Norwegian Dagbladet.