Global IT Outage Causes Chaos at Airports

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 20, 2024 12:30 PMNews
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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.

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