Global IT Outage Causes Chaos at Airports

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 20, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
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

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

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

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

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News

New Nonstop Belgrade–Alicante Flights Set for Summer

Jan 15, 2026 07:31 AM

Porto Gains New Long-Haul Links and TAP Investment

Jan 15, 2026 06:18 AM

Austrian Airlines Sets Plan for Free High-Speed Wi-Fi

Jan 14, 2026 20:04 PM

Summer 2026 Brings New Ryanair Links for Ancona

Jan 14, 2026 19:04 PM

Zurich Joins Glasgow’s Summer Flight Map

Jan 14, 2026 18:17 PM

Ryanair Calls Out OTAs for Inflated Fees in New Price Survey

Jan 14, 2026 04:37 AM

EU Lawmakers Back Stricter Air Passenger Rules, Airlines Push Back

Jan 14, 2026 03:08 AM

Lufthansa Group Plans Fast Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet

Jan 14, 2026 02:32 AM

Helsinki Gets Year-Round Dubai Link With Emirates

Jan 14, 2026 02:02 AM

Taxi Strike Slows Airport Access in Rome

Jan 13, 2026 19:05 PM

Ice Disrupts Flights Across Central Europe as Airports Halt Operations

Jan 13, 2026 16:03 PM

Wizz Air Links Naples With Palma de Mallorca Ahead of Summer 2026

Jan 13, 2026 15:24 PM

Spring Lapland Becomes Easier to Plan for Snow-Lovers

Jan 13, 2026 02:33 AM

New Milan–Bilbao Route Boosts Northern Italy’s Direct Links to Spain

Jan 13, 2026 01:34 AM

Finnair Refreshes Long-Haul Business Class With Nordic Flair

Jan 13, 2026 00:31 AM

Wizz Air Adds New Summer Links From Bulgaria to Spain, Greece and Poland

Jan 12, 2026 23:35 PM

KLM Restores Regular Schedule After Severe Winter Disruption

Jan 12, 2026 22:37 PM

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM

Limoges Airport Hosts Travel Showcase This January

Jan 10, 2026 01:37 AM

Etihad Confirms First Direct Luxembourg–Abu Dhabi Route

Jan 10, 2026 00:24 AM

Qatar Airways Pushes Ahead with Starlink Rollout

Jan 9, 2026 23:51 PM

Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Key Routes

Jan 9, 2026 19:07 PM

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM