Computer Failures Around the World: What’s Happening
Grounded planes, blocked airports, problems for media and banks: this is what is happening all over the world due to widespread computer failures.
According to the BBC, “major banks, media outlets and airlines are currently experiencing major IT disruptions.”
Australia was particularly hard hit, with flights grounded and supermarkets experiencing chaos at checkout. Television networks also struggled with malfunctioning autocues, graphics and computers.
But it is not the only country affected. Disruptions are also recorded in the United Kingdom: at the London Stock Exchange, in fact, there were interruptions of its trading platform. Trains and even several airports were stopped.
And again: United Airlines has suspended its flights while United and Delta have asked the FAA for a global grounding of all flights.
Berlin airport blocked due to a technical fault, while disruptions are recorded in most of Spain’s airports. “We are working to resolve them as soon as possible. In the meantime, operations continue with manual systems,” the Spanish airport operator said in a statement.
Ryanair: “Possible Stops in Europe”
Low-cost airline Ryanair has announced that it may be subject to flight disruptions in Europe, urging passengers to arrive at the airport three hours in advance.
“We are currently experiencing disruption to our network due to a third party global IT failure, outside of our control,” Ryanair wrote on social – We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. If you are departing today and have not yet checked in for your flight, you can do so at the airport. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused as a result of this third-party global IT outage.”
We’re currently experiencing disruption across the network due to a Global 3rd party IT outage which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure time.
Cont’d in comments…
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) July 19, 2024
Microsoft reports failures: “Mitigation actions taken”
But what caused the failure? It would not be a cyber attack but rather a “problem with Microsoft platforms” which in fact stated that it had undertaken “mitigation actions” after the service interruptions.
“Our services continue to improve as we continue to take mitigation measures,” the company said on X, noting that users “may not be able to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services.”
