Grounded flights and check-in chaos at airports all over Europe due to major IT outage

Before Australia’s East Coast burnished its reputation as a haven of sun, sand and sea, it was the temperate climate of Tasmania, the country’s largest island, that lured visitors from across the British Empire. Sometimes called the “sanitarium of the south,” it was noted for its salubrious climes, which were considered an antidote to havoc wrought on delicate constitutions by tours in the equatorial colonies. Some two centuries later, the heart-shaped landmass 150 miles off the mainland’s southeast coast is still seen as a place of invigorating isolation.

Friday 19 July was set to be one of the busiest days of the summer for Europe’s airports. But the world’s biggest IT outage had other plans for hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers.

Crowdstrike, a cybersecurity firm with thousands of customers globally, admitted on Friday that a defective software update had caused the major IT outage that brought airports, banks, hospitals, media outlets, and businesses to a halt worldwide.

Solo female travellers are a growing and very attractive market; in fact, 14% of women travel without the company of family, friends or a partner, which translates into habits, needs and expectations, as well as specific tourist services and products. Mabrian and The Data Appeal Company-Almawave Group, analysed the female solo traveller demand worldwide* to identify five key factors that outline the profile of this segment.

As summer heats up, Heathrow Airport highlights nine hidden gem destinations perfect for last-minute travel. From Pula’s glittering waters to Chengdu’s giant pandas, these varied locations cater to sun seekers, adventurers, and everyone in between. Heathrow, the most connected airport globally, serves numerous exclusive destinations, making it the ideal starting point for unforgettable summer holidays.

Sandals Resorts International invites travelers to feel the vibrant rhythms and stunning ombre blues of the Caribbean Sea with incredible savings across eleven (11) Sandals Resorts and three (3) Beaches Resorts with the “Rhythm and Blues” sale. The limited-time offer rewards guests who want to bask in paradise just a little longer with up to $1,000 in air credit to be enjoyed this summer and through mid 2025 at select resorts. As an added benefit, for a limited time, booking online at sandals.com or beaches.com earns guests an additional $100 off their stay.

Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.

The EU's post-Brexit Entry-Exit System (EES) could be delayed yet again, according to an exclusive report published in The Independent.

Friday's IT outage caused widespread disruptions after Microsoft reported problems with its online services, linked to an issue at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

American Airlines will launch a new flight to Turks and Caicos next year, marking the first-ever direct flight from the United States to the island of South Caicos.

Despite rising airfares, there are plenty of last-minute deals for a European summer getaway. JetBlue recently announced the «Overseas the Day» fare sale, which provides discounted fares to Europe for as low as $299 one-way from either Boston Logan International Airport or New York's JFK Airport. Best of all, the fare sale includes discounts on JetBlue's highly beloved Mint cabin, which is the airline’s version of business class and includes a lie-flat bed and additional amenities.  Travelers can purchase deals including one-way flights to Dublin, Ireland for as low as $299 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint. Those looking to explore the United Kingdom can fly to London-Gatwick Airport for $379 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint.  The airline is also offering discounted one-way fares to Paris for $379 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint.  The fare sale ends on July 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM, EST, for travel from July 28 through September 30. The airline advises that some days may not be available due to capacity or restricted travel dates.  As a price comparison, during a non-sale period, a one-way JFK to LGW flight can cost as much as $1,138 in Main Cabin or $2,233 in Mint, based on pricing from JetBlue's website.  While the Mint cabin provides tons of amenities, passengers in the Main Cabin are treated with extra legroom, and a 10" TV that has a variety of power ports including USB-A, USB-C, and AC (standard outlet). Passengers in the Main Cabin also get a complimentary blanket, and a curated menu from New York's Dig restaurant chain.  JetBlue has been on the move with enhancements to help passengers during a busy summer travel season. The airline recently updated its baggage policy for basic economy, by allowing passengers to bring a free carry-on. The airline also introduced new service to Dublin and Edinburgh.

A global IT outage on Friday canceled thousands of flights and forced several airlines to request ground stops, throwing travel into chaos.