IT Outage Sparks Major Travel Disruptions Across Europe

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 2, 2024 02:30 AMNews
Share:
Passengers waiting in an airport lounge with Swiss Air planes visible through the large windows as the sun sets
Swiss Air passengers face delays due to IT outages. Source: unsplash

Recent IT failures have significantly disrupted air travel across Europe, causing widespread cancellations and delays. Despite one major airline's systems remaining unaffected, its operations have been severely impacted due to issues within partner companies and air traffic control. These disruptions have resulted in the cancellation of numerous flights within Europe, with further delays expected in the coming days. Passengers are urged to verify the status of their flights before traveling to the airport to avoid unnecessary delays.

The IT outage, which began on July 19, 2024, has affected several airlines globally, creating chaos at airports. According to a recent report, technical failures have led to extensive delays, with many travelers left stranded at airports as airlines struggle to rebook flights and manage passenger flow. The outage has also placed additional strain on airport staff, who are working to mitigate the disruptions and assist passengers during this challenging period.

In addition to the European disruptions, the IT failure has caused a ripple effect across the globe. Major airlines in North America and Asia have reported significant delays and cancellations, further complicating international travel. The interconnected nature of airline systems means that an issue in one region can quickly lead to worldwide disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers. This global outage has underscored the critical need for resilient IT infrastructure to maintain smooth and efficient airline operations.

For travelers, these ongoing disruptions highlight the importance of flexibility and preparedness. Those with upcoming travel plans should consider adjusting their itineraries to allow for potential delays and cancellations. Travelers are also advised to stay in close contact with their airlines, monitor updates through official channels, and be prepared for possible changes to their travel schedules.

The situation also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the airline industry, where a single point of failure can have far-reaching consequences. As the global travel landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for robust IT systems has never been more apparent. For travelers, the impact of this outage may extend beyond the immediate inconvenience, influencing future travel planning and decision-making.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

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

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Cars queuing outside an airport terminal at night

EU border checks go digital with new travel app

Feb 8, 2026 17:27 PM
Aer Lingus Airbus A320 on the runway

Aer Lingus tightens ID rules on UK flights

Feb 8, 2026 17:04 PM

Direct Canada–Rio flights land this winter

Feb 8, 2026 16:51 PM

EasyJet maps out winter sun winners for 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:28 PM
LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 taking off

Gdańsk–Kraków flights return for summer 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:15 PM
Emirates aircraft departing on long-haul service

Emirates Adds Second Daily Narita Flight from May 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:02 PM
Health worker assessing unwell traveller

Cape Verde Travel Linked to Reported Infection Cases

Feb 7, 2026 11:49 AM
Aerial view of Brazilian coastline and city

TAP Adds São Luis to Brazil Network with New Lisbon Route

Feb 7, 2026 11:26 AM
Icelandair aircraft parked at the gate

Icelandair Picks Gdańsk for First Polish Route

Feb 6, 2026 02:53 AM

EU Confirms €20 ETIAS Charge for Visa-Free Travellers

Feb 6, 2026 02:47 AM

New LNER Trains Put Comfort and Small Extras First

Feb 6, 2026 02:34 AM
British Airways aircraft seen from terminal seating area

UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Keep Climbing

Feb 6, 2026 02:21 AM
Business jet parked outside Salzburg Airport hangar

Salzburg Airport Introduces Austria’s First Electric PRM Boarding Lift

Feb 5, 2026 03:04 AM
Tel Aviv coastline and city skyline

KLM Gradually Restores Middle East Flights

Feb 4, 2026 16:59 PM
Beach and turquoise sea on Turkey’s Riviera

Antalya Joins Ostrava’s Summer Schedule

Feb 4, 2026 15:42 PM

More Seats Added on TAP’s Southern Brazil Routes

Feb 4, 2026 15:25 PM

Two New Summer Routes Added to Cluj’s Departure Board

Feb 4, 2026 04:38 AM
Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline on a clear day

Paris Gets a Valentine’s Weekend Link from Cardiff

Feb 4, 2026 04:23 AM
Happy Valentine’s Day message on red background

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Switches to LOVE Mode

Feb 4, 2026 04:16 AM
Aerial view of central London with the River Thames and Tower Bridge

Direct London Services Scheduled to Resume in Aalborg

Feb 4, 2026 04:07 AM
Tel Aviv coastline with city skyline and beach promenade

Condor Brings Tel Aviv Back to Frankfurt Network

Feb 4, 2026 03:51 AM
Person dressed for winter in Helsinki

Helsinki Shows Its Best Side in Winter

Feb 2, 2026 21:34 PM

Snow and Strong Winds Could Complicate Midweek Travel in Northern Scotland

Feb 2, 2026 20:59 PM

Jet2 Adds Extra Greece Flights for Peak Summer 2026

Feb 2, 2026 20:42 PM
Snow-covered airport runway amid weather disruption

Severe Weather Leads Loganair to Offer Flexible Changes on Northern Routes

Feb 2, 2026 19:35 PM
Airport check-in hall with passengers queueing during peak hours

EU Delays Biometric Border Checks to Ease Summer Travel Pressure

Feb 2, 2026 17:18 PM