Apple Maps Directs Users Onto Airport Taxiway

About a year ago Apple launched its very own mapping service for the iPhone 5, which at the time had only recently launched. The service was, in our words, "hilariously awful", and led users on wild goose chases that often ended horribly for all involved.

Now, a full year later, we're presented with yet another shocking Apple Maps story.

This time the case is based way up in Alaska, where drivers using the service were directed onto an airport taxiway -- yes, that's the area used to move airplanes from their hangars to take-off positions.

Apple Maps Users Ignore Warning Signs

A recent report from the Alaska Dispatch says that some iPhone users -- who so far have remained anonymous -- used the Apple Maps application to plot a route to Fairbanks International Airport, which is located in central Alaska.

The problem is that the turn-by-turn part of the application actually led users right onto the airport's taxiway area, where they were in danger of being run over by moving airplanes. (Source: cnet.com)

Shockingly, this hasn't happened just once -- instead, Fairbanks International Airport officials say it's taken place at least twice in just the past three weeks.

Those same officials have been stunned that iPhone users were so trusting of an application -- to the point where they completely ignored a series of warning signs.

"These folks drove past several signs," said Fairbanks International's chief of operations, Melissa Osborn. "They even drove past a gate. None of that cued them that they did something inappropriate." (Source: alaskadispatch.com)

"No matter what the signs say, the map on their iPhone told them to proceed this way," added Angie Spear, the airport's marketing director.

Apple Responds with "Legal Speak"

The airport contacted Apple's legal department and asked the Cupertino, California-based company to correct the situation. However, Spear says all they got in return was a "lot of legal speak."

The most recent Apple Maps taxiway incident occurred just a few days ago. That's prompted Fairbanks International Airport officials to shut down access to the taxiway route until they can be sure Apple has made the necessary fix to its application.