FL Travelers Frustrated As Global Tech Outage Delays, Cancels Flights

FLORIDA — An early Friday morning Microsoft technology outage has crippled computer systems across the world, causing delayed flights at multiple Florida airports, as well as the disruption of 911 call centers, and banking, payment and telecommunications systems, including TV broadcasts, in some regions.

In Florida, some departures and arrivals are delayed or canceled at major airports, and travelers should prepare to spend extra time on their journeys as the technology outage means longer lines.

“Due to a global Microsoft system outage, departures (and) arrivals at Miami International Airport are currently delayed,” the airport posted to X, formerly Twitter. “Passengers are urged to contact their airline to confirm their flight status before coming to MIA this morning (and) to make other travel arrangements if necessary.”

• Also Read: Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Knocks Banks, Hospitals Offline

In Miami, 22 flights were canceled Friday, according to the airport’s website.

Some traveling out of MIA were forced to spend Thursday night at the airportbecause of the flight disruptions, Local 10 reported.

“You know, it’s not the idea of me being stuck here yesterday, but people sleep on the floor, there’s kids, there’s families, they’ve been here since yesterday at 2 o’clock (Thursday), and that’s why I’m thinking they should try to look into the marketing team, should look at something to make it better for everybody,” one traveler told the media outlet, adding that passengers weren’t offered vouchers or discounts to stay at hotels.

Orlando International Airport also urged passengers to contact their airlines for specific flight information before arriving at the airport in a post on X.

“Several carriers are currently experiencing a worldwide technology issue affecting their operations. Flight delays and cancellations may occur,” the airline said.

In Orlando, 36 flights were canceled and 19 delayed, according to the airport’s website.

Tony Atkins with WESH called the scene at Orlando International Airport Friday morning “a mess” in a post to X.

“Frontier airlines is one of several at@MCO dealing with long lines and frustrated customers,” he wrote, adding that WESH was dealing with its own technical issues.

The situation appears to be more under control at Tampa International Airport, though several flights were delayed or canceled Friday morning.

“Most of Tampa International Airport's airlines are recovering or were not affected this morning, but Delta and United are still in ground stops,” the airport wrote in a post to X. “TPA's systems are unaffected by the outage and Airport operations are functioning normally. FAA, TSA and CBP systems are operational.”

Earlier Friday morning, there were 22 canceled flights and 92 delays at TPA, according to WTSP.

The outage hasn’t affected Brightline’s train service, which runs between Miami and Orlando.

“Brightline is operating as usual. We look forward to welcoming you aboard,” the company posted to X.

See related: Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Knocks Banks, Hospitals Offline

The tech glitch highlighted dependence on software from a handful of providers.

Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said the issue believed to be behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack — and that a fix was on the way. The company said the problem occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows, according to national reports.

The Associated Press reported that "DownDectector, which tracks user-reported disruptions to internet services, recorded that airlines, payment platforms and online shopping websites across the world were affected.

The Associated Press contributed material to this report.