Widespread Microsoft Outage Disrupts Flights, Banks, Emergency Services, and Companies Globally

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

This morning, a widespread Microsoft outage caused significant disruptions across various sectors worldwide, including flights, banks, media outlets, and companies. Even the 911 radio system was affected by this outage.

The technology company reported that it was gradually fixing an issue affecting access to Microsoft 365 apps and services.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that major airlines, including United, American, Delta, and Allegiant, had all been grounded due to the outage.

In New York City, the NYC Emergency Management issued a statement: "NYC Emergency Management has been working closely with the Mayor’s Office & OTI since after midnight to check with our agency & utility partners on any impacts this outage may have on their capabilities & response, and on essential services."

The MTA also reported issues: "Arrival information is inaccurate for A/B/C/D/E/F/G/J/M/N/Q/R/W/Rockaway Park Shuttle/Franklin Av Shuttle trains due to a worldwide technical outage. Train service is unaffected."

Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the situation: "I am closely monitoring impacts to critical infrastructure in New York State due to a worldwide software issue. Our top priority is to ensure 911 systems are fully operational. A fix for the underlying issues has been identified, and we are working with agencies on a resolution."

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation, reassuring New Yorkers: "I want all New Yorkers to know we are monitoring the global technical outage involving CrowdStrike. Our teams are assessing the full impact it may have on city operations, but here’s what I want you to know right now: It is important to know that our critical infrastructure and emergency operations — including the 911 call system — have not been impacted."

Mayor Adams continued, "I’m told this is an issue that’s affecting only Windows-based devices receiving automatic updates. Our NYC Office of Technology has been working over the last few hours to stop any automatic updates and minimize potential service disruptions. Our team has sent citywide guidance to all agencies with information on a manual workaround for impacted devices, and our Chief Technology Officer has been directly in touch with CrowdStrike to identify the fastest path to resolution. This is work that all city IT departments will be prioritizing today."

He further assured, "But I want everyone to know: we have no reason to believe this is anything other than a bad update from CrowdStrike. Appreciate NYC Office of Technology Commissioner Fraser for updating the public this morning on TV and radio. I’ll be holding a briefing with city leaders this morning to provide further updates."

The situation is being closely monitored as efforts to resolve the outage continue, with updates expected throughout the day.

photo credit: Shutterstock