Global Air Travel Disrupted by Microsoft Outage

Global air travel experienced significant disruptions on Friday due to a Microsoft outage that affected many major airlines relying on its 365 app. As of 8 a.m. ET, over 1,000 U.S. flights had been canceled and more than 1,700 were delayed, causing chaos for travelers. Airlines reported that the outage impacted their back-end systems, preventing them from sending crucial data like weight and balance information needed for safe take-offs.

Impacts on Airline Operations

Due to the Microsoft outage, airlines faced operational challenges, leading to canceled and delayed flights across the country. Passengers took to social media to share images of long queues at ticket counters and error messages on airport screens, adding to the frustration of those affected. The issue was traced back to a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, with Microsoft working to resolve the issue.

Delta Airlines Operations

Delta Air Lines announced the suspension of some flights in response to the outage but gradually resumed operations by 7:50 a.m. ET. By 8 a.m., Delta had canceled approximately 330 U.S. flights, causing further disruptions for travelers. The airline assured customers that they were working diligently to address the issue and restore full operations as soon as possible.

United Airlines Updates

United Airlines managed to resume some flights following the outage but cautioned passengers about potential disruptions to flight schedules throughout the day. With around 150 flights canceled by Friday morning, the airline issued waivers to facilitate changes to travel plans through their website and app, aiming to minimize inconvenience for affected travelers.

As the situation unfolded, American Airlines also reported the resumption of operations but faced challenges with approximately 279 U.S. flights canceled by 8 a.m. ET. The airline, like others, worked swiftly to address the technical issues caused by the supplier and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers.

Overall, the Microsoft outage had far-reaching consequences for the aviation industry, underscoring the interconnected nature of modern technology and the need for robust contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.