The break-up of Microsoft 365 services, which since Thursday evening has made the Outlook platform and programmes like Teams elusive, is causing problems in the air transport sector as well. While so far it is mainly about the difficulty in managing ordinary administrative processes, concerns can be particularly felt in communication between airlines and passengers, related to bookings, checks online and handling complaints.
On Friday morning, Eurocontrol, the agency responsible for co-ordinating air traffic over Europe and surrounding areas, has sent airlines an urgent announcement. Due to the global break of Microsoft 365, its centre in Brussels is unable to receive or send e-mails. Until the problem is resolved, Eurocontrol has demanded that any communication with him be carried out only over the phone.
According to Downdector data, the defect has generated tens of thousands of reports in more than 70 countries in the world. However, according to sector experts, the problem does not affect operational flight systems, nor does air traffic control. The impact has focused mainly on communication channels and customer assistance services.
The situation is presented differently from one airline company to another. In India, Indus Go companies and Akasa Air have warned passengers that they are currently unable to receive e-mails, as revealed through reports on their official social networking profiles. In the meantime, Air India has temporarily redirected messages and has ensured that operations continue normally. On the other hand, SpiceJet has cancelled three flights and reported delays in others.
For European airlines, difficulties are mainly related to dealing with complaints, changing routes, and continuing internal or shared communication with partners. According to sector estimates, the risk is not linked to stopping aircraft from taking up, but to increasing cargo in client service centres and in airline apps, which may also suffer disruptions.
For passengers, this may mean delays or lack of announcements of flight schedule changes, change of the docking gate or cancellations, which are usually sent through email.
Therefore, airlines recommend that travelers control flight status through the apps and official pages of companies, as well as, when possible, through information boards at the airport.
In the meantime, in cases when flight cancellations are caused by this informal disruption, no financial compensation is envisioned for passengers, since the situation is considered an extraordinary situation.
Source Layer: Insander