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

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM

Manchester Airport Expands 2026 Network With New Mediterranean and Island Routes

Jan 6, 2026 20:37 PM

Bus Routes Keep Oxfordshire Day Trips Within Reach

Jan 6, 2026 09:31 AM

Snow and Ice Warnings Disrupt Rail and Bus Travel Across Wales and the Borders

Jan 6, 2026 08:37 AM

Qatar Airways Adds Hail to Network With New Saudi Route

Jan 6, 2026 03:31 AM

Delta Restarts Caribbean Flights After FAA Airspace Closure

Jan 6, 2026 02:32 AM

King’s Cross First Class Lounge to Close for Refurbishment Ahead of Spring Reopening

Jan 6, 2026 01:06 AM

Snow Brings Flight Cuts at Paris Airports as Disruption Spreads Across Europe

Jan 6, 2026 00:36 AM

Winter Disruption Forces KLM to Cut Hundreds of Schiphol Flights

Jan 5, 2026 22:51 PM

Radio Communications Failure Halts Flights Across Greece: Queues and "Closed Gates" in Athens

Jan 5, 2026 09:04 AM

Arctic Cold Disrupts Irish Air Travel as Delays Spread Across Europe

Jan 4, 2026 05:38 AM

Summer 2026 Routes Open New Holiday Choices at Glasgow Prestwick

Jan 4, 2026 03:37 AM

Snowfall Triggers Winter Operations at Luxembourg Airport

Jan 4, 2026 02:37 AM

KLM Cancels Caribbean Flights as Venezuela Airspace Disruption Spreads

Jan 4, 2026 01:37 AM

Pilot Removed from Air India Flight After Failing Alcohol Checks

Jan 4, 2026 00:47 AM

Winter Storm Disrupts Zurich and Geneva Flights as Delays Build Across Europe

Jan 3, 2026 06:33 AM

Bristol Airport to Raise Drop-Off and Short-Stay Charges in January 2026

Jan 3, 2026 03:04 AM

Snow and Strong Winds Disrupt UK–Amsterdam Flights

Jan 3, 2026 02:34 AM

Evening Bag Drop Option Added for Early easyJet Flights at Birmingham

Jan 3, 2026 00:33 AM

Several Royal Brunei flights delayed on 2 January

Jan 2, 2026 23:30 PM

Sleeping on Another Planet: Inside Utah’s Story-Driven Desert Retreat

Jan 2, 2026 03:32 AM

African-Inspired Menus Added to Brussels Airlines Long-Haul Flights in 2026

Jan 2, 2026 02:15 AM