Ryanair Tells Passengers to Go Home Amid Global IT Meltdown
Ryanair has slammed the brakes on passengers whose flights were cancelled due to a worldwide IT outage. The budget airline told those stranded at airports to leave and return home as it cannot currently help them on-site.
Microsoft Glitch Sparks Airport Chaos
UK airports, including Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, and Edinburgh, have descended into mayhem after a Microsoft Windows update triggered a global IT meltdown. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike confirmed the blackout was caused by a software bug—not a hacking attack.
Long queues snake through terminals as airlines switch to slow manual check-ins. According to aviation analysts Cirium, nearly 1,400 flights worldwide have been cancelled, including 43 departures from UK airports.
Ryanair’s Shambolic Statement
Ryanair had initially urged passengers to arrive early to avoid disruption. That advice quickly backfired. The airline’s new statement this afternoon warned those with cancelled flights to leave the airports immediately.
“We’ve been forced to cancel a small number of flights today due to this global third-party IT outage,” Ryanair said. “Affected passengers have been notified and are advised to log into their myRyanair account once systems are back online to see their options.”
They added, “If your flight has been cancelled, we kindly request that you leave the airport as the IT outage means we cannot currently assist passengers at the airport. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Travel Tips: Avoid Checked Bags and Stay Alert
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland warned travellers to steer clear of checking luggage if possible.
“Queues for check-in at the airport will be long and IT failures typically lead to lots of lost bags. If you do check-in bags, keep medication, keys, and essentials in your hand luggage,” Boland advised.
He also clarified passengers are unlikely to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights due to these “extraordinary circumstances.” However, airlines still have a duty to provide meals, accommodation, and alternative travel.
Wider Fallout: Flights Grounded, NHS Disrupted, Shops Shut
The glitch’s ripple effect is vast. Flights are grounded, train services hit, NHS operations disrupted, and many shops have resorted to cash-only payments or temporary closures.
CrowdStrike’s CEO George Kurtz confirmed the company is working to fix the fault. Microsoft has recommended users reboot their computers as a possible quick fix.
Passengers are urged to keep updated with their airlines for the latest info as this digital disaster unfolds.
