
Hundreds of TUI Airways passengers found themselves trapped in a travel nightmare after a global IT outage triggered a 50-hour delay at Corfu Airport. The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 19, caused widespread disruption to flights worldwide, with TUI among the airlines hardest hit. Originally scheduled to depart for Manchester at 2:20 PM, passengers on flight BY2519 faced a relentless ordeal.
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As hours turned into days, frustration mounted among travelers who were left stranded with little information and support. The IT failure, caused by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, crippled airport systems, leading to chaos at check-in counters and departure gates. TUI advised passengers to book their own accommodation as the situation unfolded, adding to the stress and uncertainty experienced by those caught in the turmoil.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints about the airline's handling of the crisis, with many passengers expressing anger and disappointment at the lack of communication and support. As the ordeal stretched into its second day, TUI issued a public apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the IT disruption. The airline assured customers that refunds and compensation would be provided to those affected by the cancellations.
However, for the passengers trapped in Corfu, these promises offered little solace as they faced the daunting prospect of a prolonged wait to return home. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the global travel industry to technological failures, with thousands of passengers across the world experiencing similar disruptions. As the aviation sector grapples with the aftermath of this crisis, questions are being raised about the resilience of IT systems and the preparedness of airlines to handle such large-scale emergencies.