A global IT outage has disrupted businesses worldwide, affecting a range of sectors including banks, airlines, telecommunications, broadcasters, and supermarkets. Reports of issues have surfaced from various countries, including the United States, India, New Zealand, and Australia, with users noticing blue screen errors on Windows workstations.
US Airlines Ground Flights Amid Communication Glitch
Major US airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines halted all flights early Friday due to a communication issue, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grounding affected flights across the country and was attributed to widespread technical disruptions.
Markets React to Tech and Economic Uncertainty
Global stock markets fell on Friday, weighed down by uncertainty over potential US interest rate cuts and tensions related to China’s economy. The tech sector, which had recently driven stock market gains, took a hit from news of possible restrictions on chip technology for China and former President Donald Trump’s statements about Taiwan.
The economic landscape is further complicated by concerns over President Joe Biden’s potential candidacy in the upcoming election, amid growing calls for him to reconsider his campaign.
Widespread IT Outage Hits Major Sectors
The IT disruption caused significant problems around the world. In the UK, major rail operators warned of possible cancellations due to IT issues. In Australia, the national broadcaster ABC and several supermarkets experienced technical problems. The outage also impacted New Zealand, affecting banks and the computer systems within its parliament.
Airports and Airlines Struggle
The outage caused disruptions at numerous airports globally. Berlin Brandenburg and all airports in Spain experienced delays and cancellations. Hong Kong’s airport and KLM in the Netherlands also reported severe impacts, with some airlines having to suspend operations.
Australian and New Zealand IT Failures
In Australia, Sydney Airport reported delays and issues with some flight operations. The National Cyber Security Coordinator attributed the disruption to problems with a third-party software platform, with no immediate evidence of hacking. In New Zealand, Christchurch International Airport faced similar IT problems affecting flight schedules.
Tech Giants Respond
Microsoft acknowledged the ongoing issues and stated it was taking steps to address the disruptions. The problems are linked to a global outage that has also impacted CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm. University cybersecurity experts have noted that the outage’s global impact could be substantial, affecting various critical systems and services.
