Microsoft's Impact: Airports Affected By Tech Giant's Influence

A technical fault with Microsoft's Azure Cloud software caused significant disruption to airports and airlines across the world. The issue, which was caused by a faulty update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, saw Windows PCs crash and forced some airlines to ground their aircraft. The error, known as the blue screen of death, prevented computers from turning on. As a result, airports from New Zealand to the UK reported issues, particularly with their scanning technology, which couldn't register passengers' boarding passes.

Zurich Airport closed until 20:00 local time

Zurich Airport has been significantly impacted by the Microsoft outage, with the airport closed to all landings unless flights are already in the air. This has resulted in disruptions and delays for passengers, with check-ins being conducted manually. The airport is expected to remain closed until 20:00 local time, causing widespread travel adjustments.

The Microsoft IT outage has affected airports and airlines globally, causing flight delays and cancellations. Zurich Airport, in particular, has been forced to implement stringent measures to manage the situation. All landings have been restricted, and passengers have been advised to expect delays and manually check in with their respective airlines. These disruptions are expected to continue until 20:00 local time, after which the airport will resume normal operations.

Passengers travelling through Zurich Airport are facing significant challenges due to the closure. With no landings allowed, flights are facing cancellations or diversions, leading to a ripple effect of travel disruptions. Many passengers are having to make alternative arrangements, and the airport is providing regular updates to assist travellers. The closure is expected to last until 20:00 local time, and passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest information.

The Microsoft outage has caused a cascade of issues for airlines and airports, and Zurich Airport is no exception. With check-in procedures and booking systems affected, Zurich Airport is working diligently to manage the situation. They have implemented manual check-ins and are providing updates to assist passengers. The airport remains closed to landings, and passengers are advised to anticipate delays and potential cancellations until 20:00 local time.

The closure of Zurich Airport until 20:00 local time is part of a broader impact on airports and airlines due to the Microsoft outage. This incident has caused widespread disruptions, affecting various sectors, including aviation. While Zurich Airport navigates the challenges, passengers are advised to follow the latest updates, allow for extra time, and check with their airlines for specific instructions. The situation is expected to improve after 20:00 local time, when the airport anticipates resuming standard operations.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport reported delays

The Microsoft outage led to challenges in various sectors, with aviation being significantly affected. Several airlines, including Air Serbia, Wizz Air, and Turkish Airlines, experienced disruptions and cancellations. Air Serbia warned of delays at certain airports within its network, including Amsterdam, Berlin, and Zurich. Similarly, Wizz Air customers faced disruptions across their network due to issues with their website and mobile application services.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, a major international aviation hub, was not spared from the fallout of the Microsoft outage. The airport reported delays, adding to the chaos already unfolding at other airports worldwide. The specific details of the delays at Schiphol Airport are not readily available, but they were likely related to check-in procedures, security checks, or flight operations, as seen at other affected airports.

The impact of the IT outage extended beyond Schiphol Airport's immediate delays. With Amsterdam being a key European aviation hub, the disruptions likely had a ripple effect on travel across the continent. Flights to and from Schiphol may have faced cancellations or diversions, impacting passengers' travel plans. The exact number of flights affected and the duration of the delays at Schiphol Airport remain unknown, but the airport authorities likely worked tirelessly to mitigate the disruption and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of the aviation industry to technological disruptions, especially when relying on global systems. While the underlying cause of the Microsoft outage was reportedly fixed, residual impacts continued to affect certain services, emphasizing the interconnected nature of modern travel and the potential for widespread disruption. Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to check the status of their flights, as the effects of the outage were still being managed.

London Gatwick Airport security checks done manually

London Gatwick Airport, along with several other airports worldwide, was affected by a Microsoft IT outage in July 2024. This outage caused significant disruptions, with many airports resorting to manual check-ins and security checks. London Gatwick Airport advised passengers to arrive at their usual check-in time, but warned of potential delays during the security process.

London Gatwick Airport security checks are typically a busy and stressful affair, and the Microsoft outage only added to the challenges faced by passengers and staff. The airport has stringent security measures in place, and it is recommended that passengers arrive with ample time to navigate the various procedures. For domestic flights, checking in at least 90 minutes before departure is advised, while European and international flights require a minimum of two and three hours, respectively.

Passengers travelling with gifts or wrapped Christmas presents should be prepared for additional security checks and may be asked to unwrap their presents by security staff. This is to ensure that any gifts, particularly those containing liquids, comply with the current aviation security measures. Passengers are advised to travel with gifts unwrapped to facilitate a smoother screening process.

London Gatwick Airport employs facial image recognition technology for passenger identification when boarding domestic or Common Travel Area (CTA) flights. This automated system uses biometrics to map unique facial features and compare them to previously captured images, ensuring that passengers boarding these flights are the same individuals who entered the airport's international departure lounge. The use of facial recognition is mandated by the Home Office, and London Gatwick operates a "no fly" policy for passengers who do not consent to this process.

The security checks at London Gatwick Airport, during the Microsoft outage, were done manually, causing further delays in an already challenging situation. Passengers had to undergo additional waiting times as each person was processed individually. This manual system involved checking boarding passes and verifying identities, ensuring that prohibited items were not carried on board, and maintaining the safety of everyone at the airport.

Prague Airport affected by global check-in system outage

Prague Airport was one of many airports affected by a global check-in system outage on Friday 19 July 2024. The issue was caused by a failed update of cybersecurity software, which impacted Microsoft's Azure and Office365 services. This caused a cascading effect on other global computer systems, including the GoNow check-in system at Prague Airport. As a result, some departures were delayed and several were suspended, including easyJet flights to Amsterdam and Swiss flights to Zurich.

A spokesperson for Prague Airport, Petra Divíšková, said:

> Prague Airport is currently being affected by an outage of the global check-in system, which is used by a large number of airlines. As a result, some departures are delayed.

Divíšková advised passengers to check with their airlines for updates and to expect delays and slower check-in procedures. She added that the cause of the outage was a technical fault with check-in systems worldwide. While some airlines were able to check in passengers manually, the process was taking longer than usual.

The issue affected airports worldwide, including those in Europe, the United States, and Australia. Some airports even temporarily halted operations. EasyJet said:

> EasyJet flights from Prague to Amsterdam and Swiss flights to Zurich have been suspended due to a global system outage, which is beyond Prague Airport’s control. Passengers are asked to be patient as there may be delays and slower check-in times. Affected carriers are managing the situation with alternative methods.

The outage caused chaos and delays at airports across Europe and the world, impacting airports in Spain, Germany, the UK, the US, Turkey, and Australia. Over 1,000 flights worldwide were cancelled, with many more delayed.

Berlin Airport experiencing delays to check-ins

Berlin Airport is currently experiencing delays to check-ins due to a technical fault. The airport operator informed passengers of the issue on social media, asking them to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This issue is causing long queues, with one passenger at Palma de Mallorca airport queuing for three hours.

The technical fault is due to a mass IT outage affecting Microsoft apps and causing "residual impact" on some services. This has resulted in a global check-in system outage, which is used by a large number of airlines. As a result, some departures have been delayed, and flights have been grounded.

Several other airports have been affected by the Microsoft outage, including London Gatwick, where barcodes are not working, and security checks on boarding passes are being done manually. Prague Airport has also been affected, with some departures delayed. Additionally, Zurich Airport has restricted all landings unless the flight is already in the air, and check-ins must be done manually. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport has reported delays, and Air Serbia has warned of delays and potential cancellations at airports in Spain, Amsterdam, and Zurich.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights and arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays. It is recommended that passengers allow sufficient time for check-in and boarding, even if they are only travelling with hand baggage.

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