Microsoft global outage: Flyers' handwritten boarding passes set Internet abuzz, focus on return to 'basics'
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Jul 19, 2024, 3:20 PM ISTAirport and airline operations experienced major disruptions on Friday as a Microsoft outage affected various systems, prompting airlines to issue advisories to their passengers.
Friday's global outage experienced by Microsoft has significantly disrupted airport and airline operations worldwide and across India, sparking a wave of interest and social media buzz over the return to manual processes. The outage, attributed to issues with Crowdstrike’s Falcon Sensor, has led to a temporary revival of handwritten boarding passes and manual check-in procedures.
The Microsoft / CrowdStrike outage has taken down most airports in India. I got my first hand-written boarding pass today 😅 pic.twitter.com/xsdnq1Pgjr
— Akshay Kothari (@akothari)Major airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India and Akasa reported widespread disruptions due to the outage affecting their online systems. Travelers faced delays as airlines shifted to manual processes for check-in and boarding.
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"Our systems are currently impacted by a Microsoft outage, which is also affecting other companies. During this time booking, check-in, access to your boarding pass, and some flights may be impacted," IndiGo said in an update on X.
"We are all hands-on decks and are working to restore stability and normalcy. Our digital team is also coordinating closely with Microsoft Azure to resolve these issues swiftly," it stated.
: As systems are impacted globally due to ongoing issues with Microsoft Azure, we kindly request you to refrain from making multiple booking attempts during this time. We are working closely with Microsoft to resolve the issue and appreciate your patience.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E)This system outage has a global impact and we truly regret the inconvenience caused. We assure you that our teams are working relentlessly to ensure safe travels.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E)Budget carrier Akasa said, "Due to infrastructure issues with our service provider, some of our online services, including booking, check-in and manage booking services will be temporarily unavailable. Currently we are following manual check-in and boarding processes at the airports."
The airline advised passengers with imminent travel plans to arrive at the airport early for check-in as a precautionary measure.
: Due to infrastructure issues with our service provider, some of our online services, including booking, check-in and manage booking services will be temporarily unavailable. Currently we are following manual check-in and boarding processes at the airports and hence…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir)SpiceJet announced that it is facing technical issues with its service provider, which are impacting online services such as booking, check-in, and managing reservations.
"As a result, we have activated manual check-in and boarding processes across airports," it stated.
Statement:
A global technical outage has affected the aviation industry. SpiceJet is ensuring that all its flights scheduled for today will depart. We are working closely with airports and relevant authorities to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and comfort of our…
Customer Advisory
Our digital systems have been impacted temporarily due to the current Microsoft outage resulting in delays. We regret the inconvenience caused and request our guests to plan their travel accordingly.
The shift back to manual procedures has garnered significant attention online. Passengers and observers have taken to social media to share images and stories of handwritten boarding passes, reflecting a nostalgic return to “basics” in air travel.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on social media platform X:
Handwritten Boarding pass as worldwide Microsoft outage today!! Airlines reporting issues across airports and countries pic.twitter.com/rzRql2exbI
— Chef Rachit / ରଚିତ୍ (@chef_rk)Got my first manual boarding pass just because just planned to have an early weekend this time 😂 pic.twitter.com/OB5EhD1jnD
— Akansha Jain (she/her) 💙 (@Akansha2001)The Microsoft / CrowdStrike outage has taken down most airports in India. I got my first hand-written Boarding pass today 😅 pic.twitter.com/WoBfi8kGuC
— Abdur Rahman (@arrahmaan)The / outage has taken down most airports in India.
See the first hand-written boarding pass today 😅
Back to basics 🤪 pic.twitter.com/VTcEvuKNzS
Handwritten boarding pass LEZGOOOO thanks microsoft pic.twitter.com/9FPLiF6i1z
— Vagish (@vagish_0807)Sometimes, the old-school way is still the best way when technology lets us down.
— Amit Misra (@amit6060)Welcome to a world where digital shall fail then analogue will be the only way https://t.co/iCpF3aVand
— Timeless (@sangramdasiam)Harking back to times gone by….
Guess lots of folks will panic.
Some are more resilient.
The advantage of years for some,
Of uncertain times, deprivation,
Lower expectations, less tech reliance,
Most essential lower entitlements levels. https://t.co/Phi7HPcebW
We're back in the 80s for a bit 🔥🔥 https://t.co/MkNX3oMzqr
— Sinnerman (@kitkatdude69)It will become an anecdotal story for many years now https://t.co/zFBHu68k3P
— Anna (@winternevrcame)Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the situation, noting that the IT ministry is actively coordinating with Microsoft. "MEITY is in touch with Microsoft and its associates regarding the global outage... NIC network is not affected," the minister said in a post on X.
MEITY is in touch with Microsoft and its associates regarding the global outage.
The reason for this outage has been identified and updates have been released to resolve the issue.
CERT is issuing a technical advisory.
NIC network is not affected.
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) also identified the root cause of the outage as a problematic update from Crowdstrike, resulting in “Blue Screen of Death” errors on affected Windows hosts. CERT-In has rated the severity of the issue as "critical."
"It has been reported that Windows hosts related to Crowdstrike agent 'Falcon Sensor' are facing outages and getting crashed due to recent update received in the product. The concerned windows hosts are experiencing a 'Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)' related to Falcon Sensor," the CERT-In advisory said.
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