Over 200 IndiGo Flights Cancelled Due to Microsoft Outage

IndiGo Airlines faced a significant disruption due to a global outage in Microsoft applications. This unforeseen event led to the cancellation of over 200 flights across India. The impact extended beyond flight cancellations, affecting passengers and airline operations nationwide.

Global Travel System Outage

The outage in Microsoft applications caused a ripple effect in the global travel system. Airlines worldwide experienced disruptions, with IndiGo being notably affected. The outage was beyond the airline’s control, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.

IndiGo’s Response to the Outage

IndiGo issued a statement acknowledging the situation and apologizing to passengers. The airline explained that the cancellations were due to the cascading effect of the global outage. They assured passengers of their efforts to manage the situation despite the challenges.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

IndiGo cancelled around 200 flights on Friday. The cancellations affected various routes, including flights departing from major airports like Goa and Hyderabad. The breakdown in Microsoft cloud services was cited as the primary reason for these cancellations.

Passenger Experience at Airports

Passengers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad faced cancellations and delays. Flights to Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru were notably affected. Similar disruptions were reported at other major airports across India.

Manual Issuance of Boarding Passes

Due to the outage, airlines had to resort to manual issuance of boarding passes. This process significantly slowed down operations and contributed to further delays. Passengers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Rebooking and Refund Challenges

IndiGo also faced challenges in rebooking and refund processes. The outage temporarily disabled these options, adding to passenger frustrations. The airline assured passengers that they were working on resolving these issues as quickly as possible.

Other Airlines’ Responses

Several other airlines issued advisories following the global outage. They urged passengers to stay informed about their flight status and cooperate with airport staff. The outage impacted not just IndiGo but also other airlines operating within India and internationally.

Impact on Airline Operations

The Microsoft outage had a profound impact on airline operations. The reliance on automated systems for boarding passes and flight management became evident. Airlines had to adapt quickly to manual processes, highlighting the vulnerability of digital dependencies.

Long-Term Implications

The incident raises questions about the resilience of airline operations in the face of global digital outages. Airlines may need to reassess their dependency on automated systems and consider contingency plans for such scenarios.

Passenger Feedback and Reactions

Passengers expressed their frustrations on social media and other platforms. Many were concerned about the lack of immediate rebooking and refund options. IndiGo’s customer service teams were inundated with queries and complaints.

Steps Taken by IndiGo

IndiGo has been working diligently to address the issues caused by the outage. They have implemented measures to assist stranded passengers and streamline manual processes. The airline is also coordinating with Microsoft to prevent future occurrences.

Government and Regulatory Response

The Indian government and aviation authorities have taken note of the situation. They are in discussions with airlines to understand the full impact and prevent similar incidents. Regulatory bodies may introduce guidelines to enhance digital resilience in the aviation sector.

The Microsoft outage has highlighted the vulnerabilities in airline operations. IndiGo and other airlines are working to mitigate the impact and improve their response strategies. Passengers are advised to stay informed and cooperate with airline staff during such disruptions.