Dozens more flights have been cancelled as the global IT outage chaos entered its third day on Sunday.
Following hundreds of flight delays and cancellations on Friday due to a global IT failure, the disruption has continued throughout the weekend. Bad weather in parts of Europe has exacerbated the situation, leading to further delays.
EasyJet cancelled 48 flights at London Gatwick on Sunday, affecting popular holiday destinations such as Naples, Majorca, Amsterdam, and Marseille. Passengers have expressed their frustration on social media, sharing footage of the travel chaos at Gatwick, where hundreds of travellers have been left stranded, waiting for information about their flights. Some have been booked into hotels as delays stretched overnight.
London Heathrow has also seen significant disruptions, with British Airways cancelling a dozen flights to and from UK and Continental European destinations.
Health Services Impacted
The IT outage has not only affected the aviation industry but has also disrupted health services. Health chiefs have warned that GPs will need time to recover from the chaos, citing a “considerable backlog” of appointments and treatments. Affected patients have been urged to be patient as healthcare providers work to catch up on the backlog.
Personal Impact
Among those affected by the IT outage is a 41-year-old woman whose cancer surgery was cancelled due to the disruptions. She shared her frustration and anxiety over the delay, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the outage on people’s lives.
Ongoing Delays and Cancellations
The ongoing delays have led to widespread frustration among travellers. At Gatwick, passengers are seen waiting for updates on their flights, with many resorting to social media to vent their grievances. The situation at Heathrow is similar, with long queues and confusion as passengers wait for information about their rescheduled flights.
Official Responses
Airlines and airport authorities are working to manage the situation, providing accommodations and support to stranded passengers. Both EasyJet and British Airways have issued statements apologizing for the inconvenience and assuring customers that they are doing everything possible to resolve the issues.
Looking Ahead
The full extent of the IT outage’s impact is still being assessed, with ongoing efforts to restore normal operations. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and to allow extra time for their journeys.
For those affected by the outage, including cancelled flights and medical appointments, authorities are urging patience and cooperation as they work to address the backlog and resume normal services.
