Which airlines and airports are affected by the worldwide IT outage?

If you’re travelling today, here’s what you need to know.

Why is the IT outage affecting international travel?

The US-based company CrowdStrike provides cybersecurity software that protects cloud-based data — that is, information that’s transmitted and stored on the internet. It’s used by firms around the world, ranging from airlines and airports to banks and GPs.

On Friday, July 19, the company issued a software update that has caused blue screens to appear on Microsoft-operated systems, and has meant that companies were unable to access their internet-based data normally.

In the case of airlines, this has meant issues accessing check-in and boarding systems. And for airports, it stopped the normal operation of e-gates, security checks and baggage.

As CrowdStrike supplies its service globally, it’s affecting airports and airlines from Australia and India to the UK and the US. Passengers travelling today should expect flight delays, disruption and cancellations.

Which airlines have grounded flights?

In the UK, no airlines have grounded flights yet. However, the check-in process has been affected.

Among those affected is Ryanair. The airline said: “We’re currently experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third-party IT outage, which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.

“If you’re due to travel today and have not already checked in for your flight, you can do so at the airport. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this global third-party IT outage.”

Tui has also been affected. A spokesperson said: “Due to a global IT glitch affecting Windows computers and servers, Tui’s overall service level is impacted today. This outage also applies to partner systems like the automated check-in process at airports or cruise ports.

“Tui and its partners are aware of the situation and are working hard to resolve the issues. In the meantime, most of our processes can be covered manually.

“If you are due to travel with Tui today, we ask for your patience and understanding. Please plan ahead, expect longer waiting times and regularly check the Tui App.

“Please also inform yourself about the current situation at your specific airport as the local situation might differ.”

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2’s systems have not been affected.

Elsewhere, flights were grounded in Berlin this morning while American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines have all grounded flights due to “communication issues” in the US.

If you’re travelling today, also double check whether you’re on a codeshare flight, where one flight is carrying passengers who have booked through multiple airlines. The airline you booked your flight with might not have been affected by the IT outage but the airline you’re actually flying with could have been.

For any airlines affected, many are switching to manual check-in processes, which is taking longer than usual.

You should also bear in mind that even if your airline isn’t affected, the airports you’re travelling through could be affected, which could still disrupt your travel plans.

• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
• Compensation for cancelled and delayed flights: everything you need to know

Which UK airports have been affected?

In the UK, Gatwick said that its systems have been impacted by the CrowdStrike issue. The airport said: “Early this morning we began experiencing issues with some of our IT systems. This is a global Microsoft issue affecting some airlines’ check-in systems, baggage and security, including eGates.

“We are using our backup process, but some passengers may experience delays while checking in and passing through security.

“Passengers should still arrive for their normal check-in time, which is typically two hours ahead of the flight time for short-haul, and three hours for long-haul. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

London Stansted is mostly operating as normal. A spokesman said: “Some retail payment machine services have been impacted, and some airline check-in services reverted to being done manually, but our main operational systems are unaffected and flights are still operating as normal.”

What about Eurostar and train travel?

Eurostar confirms it is unaffected by the outage, and all trains departing and arriving into London St Pancras are currently showing as on time.

Govia Thameslink, which runs services in the southeast that include Thameslink, Southern and the Gatwick Express, has been affected. Customers who need to travel on these services can use their tickets on alternative routes.

National Rail says: “Some train operators are unable to access driver diagrams at certain locations, leading to potential short-notice train cancellations. Additionally, other key systems, including real-time customer information platforms, are also affected.”

What about the ports?

The Port of Dover, the UK’s busiest, has been affected by the outage, saying its queues to pass through French security are 40 minutes. A spokesperson said “traffic is progressing well”.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

All airlines have a duty of care to their passengers, whatever the reason for the delay, which entitles them to food and drink, a means to communicate and overnight accommodation if necessary. This kicks in when a short-haul flight is delayed by two hours or more; three hours for medium-haul; and four hours for long-haul flights.

However, compensation is trickier. It’s likely that this IT outage will be classed as an extraordinary circumstance, which means no compensation is due as it’s outside the airline’s control. Travel insurance will be your only option.

Read more about your rights here.