A global IT outage has disrupted a wide range of businesses, including banks, airlines, train operators, telecommunications firms, TV and radio broadcasters, and supermarkets.
In the US, major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United have grounded flights, while airports in Germany, Amsterdam, and Spain are also experiencing issues.
The outage is suspected to be linked to a problem with software from global cybersecurity firms CrowdStrike and Microsoft. It’s unclear if this issue is the same one affecting airports and train services worldwide.
CrowdStrike has reported that its Falcon sensor software caused Microsoft Windows to crash, resulting in what’s known as the “blue screen of death.” George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, stated on X that the problem was traced to a single Windows content update. He assured that the issue has been identified, resolved, and is not related to a cyberattack.
The global outage has impacted Windows PCs, including affecting Sky News in the UK, which was unable to broadcast live TV on Friday morning. Sky News apologized for the disruption to its broadcasting and customer service teams.
UK Airports and Train Services Affected
London’s Heathrow Airport reported operational flights but with delays. The airport is implementing contingency plans and advises passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates.
Gatwick Airport has warned of potential delays, especially during check-in and security. Luton Airport is using manual systems due to the IT issue.
Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, has alerted customers to potential disruptions across all airlines, though specific details have not been provided. Edinburgh Airport experienced issues with automated boarding pass scanners and reverted to manual checks.
Impact on GP Surgeries
GP surgeries across the UK are struggling with access to patient records and appointment booking due to the outage. NHS England confirmed that the disruption affects most GP practices in England but has not impacted emergency services.
Grimethorpe Surgery in Barnsley and Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire reported being unable to access their clinical systems. The Windrush Medical Practice in Oxfordshire has advised patients with routine concerns to wait until Monday.
Train Services Facing Challenges
In the UK, train operators including Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, and Great Northern are experiencing IT issues. These disruptions could lead to short-notice cancellations, particularly on Thameslink and Great Northern networks. National Rail is investigating the issue.
London Stock Exchange and Other Affected Areas
The London Stock Exchange has been impacted, with out-of-date prices being displayed due to technical issues with its Regulatory News Service. As trading began, the FTSE-100 opened lower, and other major European stock indices also showed declines.
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Reports of issues have emerged from various countries, including India, the US, New Zealand, and Australia. Australia’s National Security Coordinator has acknowledged the widespread technical outage affecting numerous services but has no evidence to suggest a cybersecurity incident.
