Hundreds of flights have been canceled across the US following a fire outbreak at the Illinois Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control facility. 

The fire is believed to have been started by a disgruntled employee who worked at the air traffic control facility in Aurora, a suburb in Chicago. 

The fire destroyed the center's fiber optic equipments and caused a break in aerial communication forcing officials to shut down all activities.

Brian Howard, 36, the assailant, is believed to have started the fire in the basement using gasoline. The suspect has since been found with suspected self inflicted injuries.

Howard was the only person seriously injured in the fire and has since been taken to the hospital.  According to AP, he has been charged with a felony "one count of destruction of aircraft or aircraft facility".

Another employee was hospitalized after suffering from smoke inhalation, but has also been discharged since.

On Friday, the incident caused flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports to be delayed for hours, halting activities in one of the world's busiest airports. 

Reports indicate that flights from other airports around the country were also affected by the blaze.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Gerald R. Ford International Airport have been the most affected with all booked arrivals and departures via Chicago's O'Hare being delayed for hours.

Southwest, operators of a majority of the flights to and from Chicago, has announced that all flights have been shut down. Meanwhile, air commuters have been advised to check their flight status if they plan to fly through Chicago.

"We recommend customers check their flight status on the southwest.com before heading to the airport," Dan Landson, Southwest spokesman was quoted by SKY.

Reports indicate that the incident is being investigated by a coalition of agencies, which includes the FAA, FBI, ATF and local security bodies.