Luton Airport affected by global IT outage
Passengers have reported long queues at the Bedfordshire airport this morning
Last updated 19th Jul 2024
Huge problems are continuing as a result of a big IT issue this morning.
Tech experts reckon it's linked to Microsoft Windows and the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
It's impacted organisations like airlines, broadcasters and some hospitals.
Luton Airport said that a global IT outage is affecting some airlines and operations are continuing with manual systems.
On X, formerly Twitter, the airport posted: "We are aware of an ongoing global IT issue that is impacting check-in and boarding procedures for some airlines.
"We have additional staff on hand to support and operations are continuing with manual systems.
"Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for flight updates."
Consumer group Which? advised airline passengers to avoid checking in bags if possible.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: "Global IT systems failures of this magnitude are almost unprecedented, and anyone with flights today will naturally be deeply concerned by the potential impact to their journeys.
"Keep an eye on communications from your airline, and you may be advised to arrive at the airport early.
"If you can, avoid checking in a bag as queues for check-in at the airport will be long and IT failures typically lead to lots of lost bags. If you do check-in bags, make sure you keep medication, keys and any other essentials in your hand luggage.
"As these are extraordinary circumstances, compensation will not be payable for delayed or cancelled flights, but airlines nonetheless have a duty to look after you, including providing meals and accommodation if it becomes necessary.
"They should also reroute you as quickly as possible, though given the global nature of the problem, this may not be immediately possible."
A spokeswoman for easyJet, the UK's biggest airline by passenger numbers, advised customers travelling from Spanish airports to arrive three hours before their flight due to the IT outage.
Microsoft says it's working to resolve the issue.
Global cyber security firm CrowdStrike has said it is "aware of reports of crashes on Windows... relating to the Falcon sensor."