Abta issues traveller advice after transport sector hit by IT outage

Abta has issued advice to travellers amid disruption affecting airports, airlines and railways following mass IT outages reported around the world.

More than 3,000 flights globally had been cancelled on Friday by 3pm, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium, though some may not have been due to the outages.

On Friday afternoon, Abta encouraged travellers to check with their transport providers to see if they had been affected.

Those hoping to catch flights were recommended to look for information from both the airline and the airport, as well as updates affecting routes to the airport.

A spokesperson said: “It’s important to remember that the outage is affecting businesses in different ways, so it is really important to check whether your travel plans are affected.

“As some transport providers are warning of possible delays, travellers are advised to carry essential items such as snacks, medication, baby formula, nappies, etc, in their hand luggage.”

Travellers are being directed to Abta’s advice on flight delays and cancellations.

Cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike said a “defect” in one of its software updates hit Windows operating systems, according to the BBC, leading to issues with card payments, as well as problems at GP practices, pharmacies and elsewhere.

Photo: Shutterstock/Jaromir Chalabala