Did You Get Caught in the Recent Travel Delays?
Many of us in the diaspora plan our trips back home to Africa meticulously. But this week, a tech glitch caused travel havoc for airlines around the world, including some heading to Africa.
The culprit? A faulty update to a cybersecurity software called CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor. This software is used by many airlines, and the update caused crashes on Windows systems, leading to flight cancellations, delays, and a lot of frustration.
What Happened?
On July 19, 2024, airlines began experiencing problems as the faulty update triggered crashes. Critical systems for check-in, boarding, and flight operations became inaccessible, grounding flights and causing delays. Passengers were stranded at airports, with many missing connections or facing rescheduled flights.
The Impact on Travelers
The CrowdStrike issue highlights how much we rely on technology for smooth travel experiences. When systems go down, it can disrupt our plans and cause a lot of stress, especially for those traveling long distances.
Total delays today: 22,998
Flightaware.com
Total delays within, into, or out of the United States today: 2,905
Total cancellations today: 2,223
Total cancellations within, into, or out of the United States today: 1,290
The good news is that the issue has been identified and fixed. Airlines are working to get back on schedule, and hopefully, any delays or cancellations will be minimal.
Staying Informed as You Travel
If you’re planning a trip to Africa soon, be sure to monitor your airline’s website and social media channels for any updates or delays. Here are some tips:
Are We Back on Track?
- Sign up for your airline’s email alerts.
- Download the airline’s mobile app.
- Follow the airline on social media.
By staying informed, you can avoid any surprises and be better prepared for your trip.
We’re All in This Together
While tech glitches can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that airlines are working hard to get us to our destinations safely. Let’s be patient and understanding as they work through any lingering effects of the CrowdStrike issue. Here’s to a smooth and enjoyable journey back home!
