Ryanair Cancels Over 5,000 Flights Amid Widespread Technical Outage
Ryanair Cancels Over 5,000 Flights Amid Global IT Outage
A massive global IT outage has led to the cancellation of over 5,000 flights worldwide, with Ryanair among the airlines significantly affected. The disruption, caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, has impacted various sectors, including aviation, healthcare, and finance.
The Outage’s Impact on Air Travel
The widespread IT failure has caused chaos in the aviation industry, with airlines and airports struggling to manage operations. Ryanair reported that it had to cancel a number of flights due to the outage, advising passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure. Other airlines, such as KLM and Swiss International Air Lines, also faced significant disruptions, with KLM suspending most operations and Swiss grounding 30% of its flights.
Airports Struggle with Manual Operations
Airports across Europe and beyond have been forced to revert to manual processes due to the IT failure. In Edinburgh, boarding-pass scanners displayed “server offline” messages, leading to extended waiting times. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and London Gatwick were also affected, with staff issuing handwritten boarding passes and using whiteboards to display gate information.
Passenger Experiences
Passengers have described the situation as chaotic, with long queues and limited information. At Gatwick Airport, travelers reported waiting for hours at check-in, with staff distributing water to those in line. In Palma de Mallorca, a family of five waited in a queue for three hours, highlighting the widespread nature of the disruption.
Broader Implications
The IT outage has raised questions about the reliance on centralized systems and the need for robust contingency plans. Experts warn that it could take weeks for systems to fully recover, with ongoing disruptions expected in various sectors.
What Passengers Should Do
Ryanair has advised affected passengers to check their flight status on the airline’s website or app, once restored, for options regarding rebookings or refunds. Passengers are also encouraged to arrive at airports early and be prepared for longer wait times due to manual check-in processes.
As the situation develops, travelers are urged to stay informed through official airline communications and news updates.
