Global IT Outage Disrupts Major Airlines Worldwide

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 20, 2024 13:30 PMNews
Share:
Three airplanes from different airlines in the sky
Airlines contend with global IT outage impact. Source: pixabay

On July 19, 2024, a global IT outage caused significant disruptions to airline operations, impacting major carriers worldwide. The outage, linked to a vendor technology issue, led to widespread flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of passengers. Different airlines responded in various ways to mitigate the impact on travelers.

Delta Air Lines canceled over 1,200 flights due to the IT issue. To assist affected passengers, Delta issued a travel waiver for flights booked on July 19, allowing changes without fare differences if rebooked by July 25. Additionally, Delta notified customers about delays and cancellations via its app and text messages, though high traffic caused intermittent performance issues. The airline also provided meal vouchers and hotel accommodations and temporarily suspended travel for unaccompanied minors until July 21.

ITA Airways managed to keep its systems operational thanks to robust backup solutions. However, the airline faced cancellations of 60 flights, primarily at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports, due to severe air traffic restrictions in Europe. ITA Airways rebooked over 90% of affected passengers on subsequent flights and activated a dedicated hotline for customer support. Passengers could find updates via the ITA Airways app and website.

American Airlines resolved the IT issue by early morning on July 19 but expected ongoing delays and cancellations. The airline issued a travel alert allowing affected customers to rebook, cancel, or receive refunds without fees. Notifications were sent via the American Airlines app and text messages. The airline worked to resume normal operations quickly and assist customers with rebooking.

VietJet Air's reservation and online check-in processes were disrupted by the Microsoft cloud system outage from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (GMT+7) on July 19. Although the system was restored, some flights experienced delays. VietJet Air advised passengers to monitor their flight status via the website or mobile app and contact their hotline for assistance.

AirAsia continued operations using manual processing methods due to the IT disruption. The airline increased ground staff and volunteers to manage airport operations and ensure passenger safety. AirAsia encouraged passengers to arrive early to accommodate potential delays and to check flight statuses via email, mobile phones, or the airline's website.

The global IT outage has highlighted the airline industry's reliance on technology and the need for robust backup systems. While airlines responded swiftly to minimize passenger inconvenience, the incident underscores the importance of effective communication and preparedness for technological disruptions. Travelers are reminded of the value of staying informed through official airline channels and being flexible with travel plans during such unforeseen events.

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
Modern hotel room with neutral tones, large bed, and floor-to-ceiling curtains

Central Turin Gains New Accommodation Option in Historic Setting

Jul 7, 2025 23:29 PM
Airplane flying overhead on a clear day

New Nonstop Route Links UAE and Southern Germany

Jul 7, 2025 19:33 PM

Italy Faces Rail Disruptions Amid Nationwide Strike in July

Jul 7, 2025 17:44 PM

Nonstop Flights Between Hanoi and Xi’an Make Cultural Journeys Easier for Travelers

Jul 7, 2025 16:27 PM
Modern hotel room with neatly made bed and ambient lighting

New Hotel Project Near Berliner Tor Set to Expand Hamburg Accommodation

Jul 7, 2025 15:51 PM
A man shouting into a megaphone during a protest with a crowd in the background

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM
Bridge and colorful buildings in central Copenhagen near the canal

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM
Rail tracks leading into a bridge with visible construction and electrical infrastructure

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM
Covered outdoor area at Munich Airport

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM
Passengers waiting at Oslo Gardermoen Airport gate with planes outside

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM
Railway workers and machinery performing track maintenance at a train station

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM