Following a significant global computer systems outage, numerous U.S. airlines have begun resuming operations. The IT disruption, which grounded and delayed thousands of flights, also caused widespread chaos at airports across Europe and the U.S., disrupted television broadcasts in the UK, and impacted telecommunications in Australia.
At Dulles International Airport near Washington, traveler Evyn Garson shared her frustration: “We definitely considered just driving down there. But now it looks like they are checking bags so we might stay.”
American Airlines announced on X that it had “safely re-established our operation” as of 5:00 am EST (0900 GMT) after resolving a “technical issue with a vendor.” United Airlines also reported on X that “some flights are resuming” as they work to restore full service. Frontier Airlines indicated that it was “gradually normalizing” and “in the process of resuming flight operations.”
The outage was reportedly triggered by an update to an antivirus program. Microsoft stated on its website that users of its Azure cloud platform running the CrowdStrike Falcon cybersecurity software were affected. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that it was “closely monitoring a technical issue impacting IT systems at U.S. airlines” and had provided assistance with “ground stops for their fleets until the issue was resolved.”
As of Friday morning, over 1,040 U.S. flights had been canceled and approximately 1,700 delayed, according to FlightAware.
