Following a major internet outage that caused widespread flight cancellations and delays, thousands of travellers found themselves in a difficult situation, with airport terminals in both Europe and the United States being inundated with stranded individuals. Leading carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air were all forced to ground their flights due to the disruption, affecting critical systems such as passenger check-ins and the calculation of aircraft weights, essential for safe departures.
In response to the chaos that ensued, airlines such as United issued waivers allowing customers to alter their travel itineraries, attributing the root cause of the overnight outage to a software update sent to Microsoft computers by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
The aftermath of the outage saw over 2,200 U.S. flights and more than 6,000 international flights cancelled, with these numbers expected to increase throughout the day. Despite reports that CrowdStrike was working to fix the issue, the repercussions of the technology outage were expected to linger for days, with many travellers left stranded.
In light of this situation, travellers are advised to stay in contact with their airline, as delays should be anticipated while airlines work to recover from the impact of the technology outage. Exploring alternative options such as nearby airports or other airlines that may have available seats is also recommended, especially during the peak travel season.
For those with weekend travel plans, remaining vigilant about monitoring flight status and considering arriving at the airport earlier than usual is advisable. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg assured the public that air traffic control systems and airport security measures remained operational and unaffected by the outage.
In the event of a cancelled flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund and may also be eligible for cost reimbursements, depending on the applicable regulations and individual airline policies.
In conclusion, while a technology outage can disrupt travel plans, staying informed, proactive, and adaptive can help mitigate the impact. Utilizing the resources provided by airlines and transportation authorities to stay updated on travel plans and exploring viable alternatives as necessary is essential. Patience and persistence are crucial when navigating the challenges presented by unexpected flight cancellations.