Global Microsoft Outage Causes Chaos for Airlines

A widespread Microsoft outage caused significant disruptions in airport and airline operations, affecting major airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa. The airlines switched to manual check-in processes, while the IT ministry worked with Microsoft to resolve the issue. The national CERT-In rated the outage's severity as critical.

On Friday, airport and airline operations experienced significant disruptions due to a Microsoft outage, leading airlines to issue advisories to passengers.

IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa faced disruptions in their online check-in and boarding services across their networks, resorting to manual processes.

IndiGo stated that its systems were impacted by the Microsoft outage, affecting booking, check-in, access to boarding passes, and some flights. The airline's digital team is working closely with Microsoft Azure to restore normalcy.

Budget carrier Akasa highlighted infrastructure issues with its service provider, causing temporary unavailability of online services like booking and check-in. Passengers with immediate travel plans were advised to arrive early for check-in.

SpiceJet also experienced technical challenges affecting online booking and check-in services, activating manual processes in response.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the IT ministry is in touch with Microsoft regarding the global outage, while the NIC network remains unaffected.

In an advisory, CERT-In rated the Microsoft outage's severity as critical, attributing the cause to a Crowdstrike update that resulted in systems experiencing 'Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).' The advisory followed widespread reports of disruptions in airlines, banks, and media outlets worldwide.