Latest New for Global windows outage grounds flights, hits banks and media businesses

Several major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, United, and Delta, grounded flights early Friday because of a technical problem affecting their IT systems. This issue caused disruptions at airports, banks, broadcasters, and businesses worldwide. Microsoft acknowledged a problem with Windows using cybersecurity technology from CrowdStrike. The issue has been identified and fixed, according to CrowdStrike’s CEO. Some services are starting to work again, and American Airlines said it has resumed operations safely.

Here’s what to know

Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, reported on Friday that it had discovered a problem affecting Virtual Machines running Windows Client and Windows Server with the CrowdStrike Falcon agent. These machines might experience a “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) error and get stuck restarting. The issue started around 3 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday. Azure confirmed that the problematic update has been withdrawn by CrowdStrike. The “Blue Screen of Death” is a Microsoft error screen.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that he understands Australians are worried about the global outage affecting many services. He added that, at this stage, critical infrastructure and government services are not impacted. ABC News reported that banks and media outlets in Australia were also affected.

What CEO of CrowdStrike Said:

The CEO of CrowdStrike said on Friday that the U.S.-based cybersecurity company found and fixed the issue after a global IT outage disrupted flights and affected companies, banks, and media outlets.

Dutch airline KLM said it, along with other major airlines, was affected by a global computer outage, which made it impossible to handle flights. In a post on X, the airline said, “We know this is very inconvenient for our customers and staff, especially during the summer holiday season. We’re working hard to fix the problem. Until then, we will mostly have to stop operations.

American Airlines announced that as of 5 a.m. Eastern time, it had safely resumed operations. The airline said a “technical issue with a vendor” caused the disruption, affecting it and other carriers. It apologized to customers for the inconvenience. Earlier on Friday, the airline had temporarily stopped all departing flights

Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport said on Friday that flights in and out of the airport were being affected by a “global system failure.” They posted on social media that they are currently assessing the situation and advised passengers to check with their airlines for more details.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson said early Friday that “all Delta flights are on hold due to a problem with a technology provider.” They didn’t specify which provider, but mentioned that “any customers affected by the delay will be notified through the Fly Delta app and text messages,” so passengers should check the app for updates.

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said in a recorded phone message that it knows about issues with Microsoft Window laptops errors linked to its technology. The company, based in Austin, mentioned in a prerecorded message on its helpline Friday that it is aware of crashes on Windows related to the Falcon sensor. They advised customers to visit their support portal for help.

Alaska State Troopers said early Friday that “many 911 and non-emergency call centers are not working properly” across the state due to a “technology-related outage.” They posted on Facebook to direct emergency callers to alternative numbers.

Boarding for an Air France flight from Paris to Montreal was put on hold because of “a computer problem,” as told to passengers by Paris airport and airline staff while they waited on the floor. A Delta flight from Paris to Salt Lake City was delayed “due to a system issue,” according to a sign at the gate.

“This is not a security incident or cyberattack,” CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz wrote on X early Friday. Earlier, American Airlines said “a technical issue with CrowdStrike” had affected “multiple carriers,” causing it to ground all departing flights.

Microsoft, in a post on X at 6:46 a.m. Friday, said that “the underlying cause has been fixed, however, residual impact is continuing to affect some Microsoft 365 apps and services.” In a longer service update online, it noted “this issue may be impacting any user attempting to use various Microsoft 365 apps and services” and said it was “continuing to treat this event with the highest possible priority.”