Global IT Failure Disrupts Airlines, Media, Banks

A widespread IT outage has disrupted numerous global institutions, including major banks, media outlets, and airlines. In the US state of Alaska, emergency services have been impacted, and several airlines have grounded their flights globally. Australia has experienced significant disruptions, with broadcast networks struggling to stay on air, supermarkets crippled, and Sky News UK going off air entirely.

The cause of the outage remains unclear, but many affected have linked it to Microsoft PC operating systems. Earlier in the day, an official Microsoft 365 service update on X indicated an issue affecting users’ access to various Microsoft 365 apps and services. However, a Microsoft spokesperson later informed the BBC that most services had been restored hours earlier.

A spokesperson for Australia’s Home Affairs Minister suggested the outage might be connected to a technical issue at global cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike. Australia’s cybersecurity watchdog stated there is no evidence to suggest an attack. “Our current information indicates this outage relates to a technical issue with a third-party software platform used by the affected companies,” the spokesperson said.

In Alaska, officials reported that many 911 and non-emergency call centers are not functioning properly. United, Delta, and American Airlines, all US-based, have issued a “global ground stop” on all flights. In Australia, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have also delayed or canceled flights.

Australian telecom firm Telstra confirmed that the country’s primary emergency contact, triple-0 call centers, are unaffected. However, it is collaborating with other state emergency services to implement backup processes. Social media users have reported long queues at Australian stores like Woolworths due to payment system failures and difficulties accessing financial institutions like the National Australia Bank.

Re-reported from the article originally published in BBC.