Global IT Outage Causes Chaos at Airports

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 20, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
Crowded airport terminal with passengers and direction signs
Massive delays and cancellations frustrate travelers. Source: unsplash

Recent days have seen severe disruptions in IT systems worldwide, affecting banks, businesses, emergency services, and airlines. One affected passenger shared their struggles with CNN.

The disruption, according to CrowdStrike, is due to a Microsoft Windows software update, not a hacker attack. However, the consequences have been significant. At major international airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Heathrow in London, passengers are facing massive delays and flight cancellations.

At Pittsburgh Airport, passengers are voicing their frustration. One said, "We paid $456 per ticket, and they're only giving us $100 back. This is unacceptable. We've lost money on hotel bookings and car rentals, and no one is taking responsibility."

US authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, were also affected by this outage. While the key issue has been identified and isolated, the impact is still being felt worldwide. In the UK, an emergency meeting was even held to discuss the situation.

The situation has sparked active discussions on social media. One user noted, "The world is always one step away from total collapse due to computer glitches. Lovely living in the tech age." Others expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate compensations and urged airlines to refund the full ticket prices.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of modern technology and the need for backup systems to prevent similar crises in the future.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
AirAsia aircraft on tarmac during sunrise with boarding stairs and fuel truck nearby

AirAsia X Expands Southeast Asia Central Asia Connectivity with Kuala Lumpur Tashkent Service

Jun 23, 2025 21:41 PM
Modern hotel room with wooden interior and sunlight streaming through large windows

Crowne Plaza to Open in Lagos’ Commercial Hub Bringing More Options for Travellers by 2028

Jun 23, 2025 19:37 PM

SkyTeam Overhauls Travel Flow at Major European Hubs

Jun 23, 2025 17:26 PM

Three Weeks Without Trains: Stockport Closure to Disrupt Key UK Rail Routes

Jun 23, 2025 15:43 PM
Passengers seated inside an aircraft cabin with personal screens

Qatar's New 777-9 Jets to Feature Unified Cabin System

Jun 23, 2025 14:39 PM
Brussels Airlines aircraft touching down on runway

Brussels Airlines Adds More Planes and Routes Ahead of Summer Rush

Jun 22, 2025 23:22 PM
Tangier hillside and coastline at dusk

New Gateway to Morocco’s Sacred Hills and Roman Ruins

Jun 22, 2025 21:35 PM
Qatar Airways aircraft preparing to land

Qatar Airways Brings Forward Flight Departure Times from June 22

Jun 21, 2025 23:49 PM
Rail workers conducting track and signal maintenance at a train station during daylight hours

Two-Week Rail Closure to Disrupt Key Surrey Route to Gatwick This September

Jun 21, 2025 21:23 PM

Toronto to Berlin Now Connected by Nonstop Flights Opening Easier Travel Options

Jun 21, 2025 19:36 PM

Glasgow Adds Compulsory Fee to All Overnight Stays from 2027

Jun 21, 2025 17:47 PM
Passenger aircraft being prepared for early morning departure at airport gate

Seasonal Flight from Bremen to Varna Adds New Link to Bulgaria’s Coast

Jun 21, 2025 09:21 AM
Construction worker in safety gear at railway site

Long-Term Closure of Deighton Station to Disrupt Travel Until 2027

Jun 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Airplane flying through a clear blue sky

Summer Flights to Tokyo Now Cheaper from Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul

Jun 20, 2025 23:44 PM
Man checking phone at train station during sunset

EMR Agrees New Ticket Sharing Rules with Northern and TPE

Jun 20, 2025 21:27 PM

Gatwick Expands Summer Routes to Eight New Cities Across Europe and Africa

Jun 20, 2025 19:31 PM

Ty Glas Station Closure to Impact Travel and Local Access for Months

Jun 20, 2025 18:46 PM
Emirates aircraft landing on a runway during daylight

Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona Enhancing Travel Options

Jun 20, 2025 17:28 PM
Railway worker operating near freight car during maintenance

Gloucestershire Rail Works in July to Cause Delays and Route Changes for Travelers

Jun 20, 2025 05:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Celebrates Global Ranking with Network-Wide Flight Promotions

Jun 19, 2025 23:44 PM
Railway worker carrying out track maintenance with hand tools

Track Closure Alert: Subway Construction to Halt Trains in Norfolk

Jun 19, 2025 21:23 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Emirates Partners with Uber to Simplify Airport Transfers

Jun 19, 2025 19:38 PM

Coronado’s Historic Hotel Returns After Major Restoration

Jun 19, 2025 17:45 PM

Air Travel Alert: Strike Set to Disrupt Northern Italy Airports on June 20

Jun 19, 2025 04:22 AM
Person photographing the sunset over a calm lake in Finland during summer

Finland’s Midnight Sun Transforms Summer Travel Experiences

Jun 19, 2025 02:37 AM
Wizz Air aircraft taking off from a runway with trees in the background

Wizz Air Reopens Suceava Base Opening New Direct Flights for Travelers

Jun 18, 2025 23:47 PM