The widespread Microsoft outage, which disrupted flight services, office systems, and numerous news channels worldwide, has also impacted domestic airlines in India. In response, IndiGo has started issuing handwritten boarding passes to passengers to avoid flight cancellations.

A CrowdStrike update caused a global outage that affected Microsoft Windows services, resulting in users encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death” error.

One passenger shared a photo of his handwritten boarding pass on X, saying, “The Microsoft / CrowdStrike outage has taken down most airports in India. I got my first hand-written boarding pass today.”

How are Indian airports managing the outage?

The news of the outage was met with frustration by travelers across India, with many expressing their displeasure on social media.

Airports across the country descended into chaos as major airlines grappled with the technical issues, forcing many passengers to endure long waits.

IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express began manual check-ins at airports in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad after the outage impacted the Navitaire Departure Control System.

Total Chaos at Bengaluru airport. #ServerDown #CyberSecurity #Microsoft #Windows pic.twitter.com/ffGbfiQU7D

— Gaurav Srivastav (@gauravnewsman) July 19, 2024

Total chaos at Bengaluru airport.

“Our systems are currently impacted by a Microsoft outage, which is also affecting other companies. During this time booking, check-in, access to your boarding pass, and some flights may be impacted,” IndiGo said in an update on X.

“We are all hands-on deck and are working to restore stability and normalcy. Our digital team is also coordinating closely with Microsoft Azure to resolve these issues swiftly,” it added.

Budget carrier Akasa stated, “Due to infrastructure issues with our service provider, some of our online services, including booking, check-in and manage booking services will be temporarily unavailable. Currently, we are following manual check-in and boarding processes at the airports.” The airline advised passengers with immediate travel plans to arrive early at the airport for check-in as a precaution.

Are flights canceled?

Despite hopes that the outage wouldn’t impact departures and arrivals, several flights were canceled across India, some without prior notice.

In Hyderabad, as many as 23 flights were canceled, and IndiGo alone canceled over 100 flights.

“Flights are canceled due to the cascading effect of the worldwide travel system outage, beyond our control,” IndiGo said in a post on X.

Flights are cancelled due to the cascading effect of the worldwide travel system outage, beyond our control. The option to rebook/claim a refund is temporarily unavailable. To check the cancelled flights, visit https://t.co/D1sAKR5Hhl. We truly appreciate your patience & support.

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) July 19, 2024

“The option to rebook/claim a refund is temporarily unavailable. To check the canceled flights, visit https://t.co/D1sAKR5Hhl. We truly appreciate your patience & support,” IndiGo added.

Some IndiGo passengers reported that their flights were canceled without notification, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

What has the Civil Aviation Ministry said?

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “Due to a global Microsoft cloud outage, Indian airports are facing unexpected delays. Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu assures passengers that the Ministry and Airports Authority of India (AAI) is actively managing the situation using manual methods to ensure minimal disruption.”

Minister Naidu stated, “I have directed airport authorities and airlines to be compassionate and provide extra seating, water, and food for passengers affected by delays. We understand your concerns and are working tirelessly to ensure your safe and swift travel. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.”