A global issue with Microsoft's system has caused significant disruptions across several industries, including aviation, finance, media, and more. "We are aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to a third-party software platform update," stated a spokesperson from the tech giant, adding that "a resolution is imminent."
A software update failure involving the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike on Microsoft's Azure led to a global outage of Microsoft 365 services, affecting numerous businesses, many of which are airlines.
Due to cloud service issues in the central United States, Frontier Airlines reported multiple flight cancellations and temporary operational suspensions last night, citing problems with reservations, check-ins, and boarding pass access. Images show crowded airports and frustrated travelers facing delays.
However, Frontier announced on the social media platform X that their systems were gradually normalizing and that flight operations were resuming. From India, a passenger humorously shared his first handwritten boarding pass.
The outage has also impacted companies like Aena, Repsol, Ryanair, and the London Stock Exchange, indicating that airports in Spain and other European countries are similarly affected. Ryanair, one of Europe's most popular low-cost airlines, warned its passengers of the situation.
Photos from busy airports such as Barcelona and Stansted in London illustrate the chaotic scene. According to Downdetector, a website that monitors service disruptions, there have been spikes in incidents affecting various websites, including Microsoft applications, since last night.
The issues were first detected in the United States and have since spread worldwide. Microsoft Azure, the company's cloud computing platform for managing applications and services, confirmed they are experiencing problems and are working on a resolution.
The tech giant stated that affected traffic is being redirected to alternative systems to alleviate the impact more conveniently. They also reported ongoing service improvements and continued mitigation efforts. A configuration change in part of Azure's server workload caused an interruption in storage and processing, impacting Microsoft 365 services.
As a result, these connectivity issues may affect any user attempting to use various Microsoft 365 applications and services.
Understanding the Global Microsoft Glitch
Given the widespread impact of the global Microsoft glitch, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.
What caused the Microsoft global outage?
The outage was caused by a software update failure involving the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike on Microsoft's Azure platform, leading to a global disruption of Microsoft 365 services.
Which industries were affected by the Microsoft issue?
The issue impacted several industries, including aviation, finance, media, and more. Notably, it caused significant disruptions in the airline industry, affecting airlines like Frontier Airlines and Ryanair.
How is Microsoft addressing the problem?
Microsoft is redirecting affected traffic to alternative systems to alleviate the impact and is continuously working on service improvements and mitigation efforts.
Are there any solutions for users experiencing issues with Microsoft 365?
Users experiencing issues with Microsoft 365 are advised to stay updated through official Microsoft channels, as the company is actively working on resolving the problem.