Planes are grounded and trains are facing cancellations due to Microsoft’s global problems

A global IT problem has grounded planes and train services are facing cancellations “at short notice”. Sky News was also forced to go off air due to the problem, apparently caused by a malfunction in a Microsoft Windows update.

The failures appear to have been triggered by a corrupt Microsoft Windows antivirus update, the Mirror reports. Systems around the world were affected, with technology companies and airlines among those affected.

The problem was reported to have stemmed from a faulty update to the anti-virus software of CrowdStrike, an American cyber security firm used by several British organizations. The UK transport network is facing problems, with Govia Thameslink Railway warning there is potential for “cancellations at short notice”.

READ MORE: This Morning’s Alison Hammond joins the star-studded new ITV show

A message posted across the company’s four brands – Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern – said: “We are currently experiencing widespread IT issues across our network. Our IT teams are actively investigating to determine the root cause of the issue.

“We are unable to access driver charts at certain locations, leading to potential cancellations at short notice, particularly on the Thameslink and Great Northern networks. In addition, other key systems are affected, including our real-time customer information platforms. provide further updates when we can, please check your trip regularly before you travel.”

Outages also affected check-in systems at London Stansted Airport, with some services being carried out manually, although flights were “still operating as normal”. The major airports of Delhi and Mumbai were also affected, while American Airlines grounded all flights. While the US-based firm has yet to comment on the issue, some travelers have hinted at the computer problem while posting images from airports online.

Sky News reported disruptions to the live broadcast, placing a notice on one feed promising to “restore transmission shortly”. The message read: “”We apologize for interrupting this show. We hope to restore the Sky News broadcast soon.”

Microsoft said it would take “mitigation measures.” A statement, issued through Microsoft 365, said: “Our services continue to see continuous improvement as we continue to take mitigation measures. We still expect users to continue to see gradual relief as we continue to mitigate the issue.”