Major global IT outage grounds planes, disrupts connections

Airlines and airports around the world have reported disruptions amid problems with communications

Disruption to air traffic control systems is being reported around the world. Preliminary reports say a computer glitch may be causing the problem. Issues have arisen in the US, Spain, Germany, Australia, and elsewhere, with authorities forced to cancel takeoffs and landings due to safety concerns.

The failure may have been caused by a Microsoft software update and is reportedly not restricted to airlines. Some banks, emergency services, broadcasters, and financial institutions are also said to be affected.

Computers using the Windows 10 operating system are reportedly crashing and showing BSOD, or “the blue screen of death,” after an update for a security product provided by the firm Crowdstrike. The company is reportedly working on resolving the issue.