The technical glitch has caused widespread disruption to air travel, with thousands of passengers facing delays and cancellations across the UK and US airports. Several airlines, including Ryanair, British Airways, and easyJet, have been affected by the issue, with many flights axed or delayed. The disruptions have been most severe at major UK airports such as Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. Here are some of the airlines that were affected by the issue:

• Ryanair
• British Airways
• easyJet
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Airlines

The aviation analytics company Cirium reported that a total of 5,078 flights – or 4.6% of those scheduled – were cancelled globally on Friday, including 167 UK departures. This includes 171 flights due to land in the UK that were cancelled. Passengers were forced to wait in long queues for check-in desks and to pass through security at airports such as Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. The queues were so long that passengers were told to leave the airport and contact their airline directly.

Many passengers took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment with the airline staff. One passenger, Dean Seddon, who was waiting in a queue at Gatwick Airport, said: “There are just people everywhere, there must be 400 people in this queue for the check-in desk I’m at… it’s just bedlam.”
Another passenger, Lance Spraggans, said: “The biggest problem is the lack of information. We’ve been waiting for over an hour and there’s no one to ask for updates.”
The disruptions have caused significant delays to flights, with thousands of passengers being forced to wait for extended periods before they can board their flights. Passengers are advised to check-in online before heading to the airport, and to avoid checking-in with 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 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,”

said Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel. He also stated that passengers will not be eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights due to the “extraordinary circumstances”, but airlines have a duty to look after them, including providing meals, accommodation and alternative flight bookings if necessary. The disruptions have affected several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta, which have all grounded flights. Several other airlines, including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair, have also reported significant disruptions. The situation is not limited to the UK; several US carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta, have also been affected. In a statement, the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “My department is working at pace with industry and across Government on the issue. We will keep the public informed as the situation develops.”
The technical glitch has highlighted the importance of IT systems in the airline industry. The fact that the issue was not addressed more quickly highlights the potential risks and consequences of IT failures in the industry. UK air traffic control provider Nats said its systems are “operating normally”, but the disruptions have highlighted the need for airlines to have contingency plans in place in the event of an IT failure. The situation has also highlighted the importance of communication and transparency. Airlines have been criticized for not providing clear information to passengers about the nature of the disruptions and the steps they are taking to resolve the issue. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to check the latest information from their airline and to be prepared for delays and cancellations.

What to Do If Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, it is essential to check with your airline for the latest information and to follow their instructions.

1. Check the airline’s website or mobile app for the latest information on flight cancellations and delays.
2. Follow the airline’s instructions on what to do next.
3. Consider checking in online and printing or downloading your boarding pass before heading to the airport.
4. 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.

Tips for Avoiding Flight Delays

1. Check-in online before heading to the airport.
2. 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.
3. Make sure to check the airline’s website or mobile app for the latest information on flight cancellations and delays.
4. Be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans, and consider booking alternative flights or accommodations if necessary.

What to Do If You Miss a Flight

If you miss a flight, it is essential to contact your airline as soon as possible and to follow their instructions.