Global technology outage affecting Mobile Regional Airport flights

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — On Friday, July 19, a global IT outage caused by a glitch with Microsoft cloud-based services disrupted companies worldwide. Airlines internationally experienced massive flight delays, especially here in Mobile.

But the Mobile Regional Airport’s direct flights weren’t the main issue, based on News 5’s conversations with passengers.

Outbound flights were delayed, which caused tension for people with connections in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and other hub cities.

Michael Holberg, traveling with his family to London, was flying United Airlines. He said they were worried about their flight being delayed, but it was fortunately on time.

“I hope that flights are not significantly delayed, having people to miss their long-planned vacations and business trips, because it’s so disruptive to society,” said Holberg. “But this is something that I think is somewhat unforeseen.”

Several flights were delayed for another six hours. One Delta flight to Atlanta was scheduled to leave at 1 p.m. but got delayed to 8:14 p.m.

Also, local families and friends waiting for arriving flights were just as affected.

Janice Winter came from Arkansas to Mobile; she eagerly waited for both her husband and friend to arrive.

“He said, ‘I can’t get on a plane.’ He said, ‘I’m just sitting here.’ And then my friend called me just like, ‘Hey, I’m not going to be able to make it either.’ And she said, ‘I’m just sitting here,'” Winter said. “And so, we’ve just been kind of figuring out what’s going on all day long.”

And it isn’t just the national connecting flights stunting travels here in Mobile; international visitors are also affected.

Mike Dudley, an international traveler, said, “Hopefully, my departing flight here is not too bad, but my connecting flight to Germany in Europe is delayed by two hours.”

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