Apple has made direction errors within its Apple Maps app that has caused an Alaskan airport to close one of its runways.
Two motorists have made their way along the taxiway and onto the runways of Fairbanks International Airport after following directions provided by Apple Maps.
The airport has had to close the aircraft access route because of the issue.
The app directs drivers along the airport’s taxiway rather than across the runway, but this hasn’t stopped two Alaskan motorists from meandering onto the active runway used by Boeing 737 jets and other aeroplanes.
Fairbanks International Airport has complained to Apple via the local attorney general’s office, asking the Cupertino company to remove the directions from the app.
“We asked them to disable the map for Fairbanks until they could correct it, thinking it would be better to have nothing show up than to take the chance that one more person would do this”, said Melissa Osborn, Chief of Operations at the airport.
The airport has actually been forced to erect a barricade across the final stretch of the runway to stop further motorists venturing into the path of oncoming vehicles, something that won’t be removed until Apple updates the app accordingly.
Both drivers who had driven along the runway had been from out of town and had ignored all the signs advising them to take alternate routes.
“No matter what the signs say, the map on their iPhone told them to proceed this way,” said Angie Spear, the airport’s marketing director.
Apple had said the problem would be resolved by today, but the issue is still happening. Google Maps directs users along a longer route that completely avoids Fairbanks International.
Apple Maps has been under constant criticism since it was introduced as the default navigation option last year, even causing CEO Tim Cook to issue an apology for the “frustration” caused to customers after the company “fell short” of expectations.
iOS 7 has attempted to improve the Apple Maps experience, but it seems that there are still bugs to be resolved.
Next, read our iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5C comparison.
Via: BBC
