Today's travel scene is one of widespread disruption as a major IT outage has crippled airlines and airports around the world. Passengers are facing delays, cancellations, and long wait times due to this unforeseen technical issue.
By Aditya M
The outage, which began earlier today, appears to be linked to problems with both Microsoft and global cybersecurity firm Crowd strike. The exact cause remains under investigation, but the impact is undeniable.
Flights Grounded, Airports in Disarray
Major airlines in the US, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, have been forced to ground flights due to communication issues. Europe and Asia hasn't been spared either, with reports of delays and cancellations at major hubs like Heathrow, Mumbai, Delhi and Gatwick.
The disruption isn't limited to take-offs and landings. Airport operations are also experiencing difficulties. Edinburgh Airport has reported longer waiting times due to the outage affecting critical systems. Similar issues are being reported at Gatwick Express, where key functions like accessing driver diagrams and providing real-time customer information are hampered.
What to Do if You're Affected
If you have a flight scheduled for today, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact your airline: Airlines are likely experiencing high call volumes, but checking their website or app for updates on your specific flight is a good first step.
- Monitor social media: Airlines and airports are likely using social media platforms like Twitter (now X) to share the latest information.
- Be patient: Unfortunately, this is a large-scale issue, and resolving it will take time. Adjust your expectations and prepare for delays.
- Check rebooking options: If your flight is cancelled, airlines should be able to rebook you on the next available flight.
A Reminder of Our Reliance on Technology
This global IT outage serves as a stark reminder of our deep reliance on technology in the travel industry. From flight bookings and check-in to air traffic control and airport operations, smooth travel experiences depend heavily on robust IT systems.
While the cause of this specific outage is being investigated, it highlights the importance of investing in IT infrastructure resilience and having robust backup plans in place to minimize disruption in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
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