The global CrowdStrike cybersecurity software outage has left the air freight industry grappling with significant disruptions, with recovery expected to take weeks.
Air Freight Industry Faces the Brunt
The recent global CrowdStrike cybersecurity software outage has left industries worldwide reeling, with the air freight sector expected to bear the brunt of the impact. The software glitch, which occurred on July 19, caused Microsoft Windows systems worldwide to crash, grounding thousands of flights, temporarily halting port operations, and impacting banks and hospitals. While most sectors have since recovered, supply chain consulting firm Xeneta anticipates that air freight will take the longest to bounce back.
The Ripple Effect of the Outage
According to Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s chief air freight officer, the disruption has resulted in planes and cargo being displaced, and it could take days or even weeks to fully rectify the situation. The air freight capacity has already been under strain due to the surge in e-commerce exports from China to Europe and the U.S. The CrowdStrike outage, albeit brief, has further exacerbated the situation, leading to ripple effects on shipping times. Major players like FedEx and UPS have already alerted their customers to expect delivery delays.
Minimal Impact on Ports
In contrast to the air freight industry, ports have reported minimal impacts from the CrowdStrike outage. The Ports of Los Angeles and Houston managed to restore their systems by mid-morning on the day of the outage. Similarly, the Port of New York and New Jersey had its terminal operational within hours of the system crash.
The conclusion of the CrowdStrike cybersecurity software outage indicates that while the air freight industry faces challenges in recovery, ports have managed to minimize disruptions efficiently. As the industry works towards repairing systems and regaining stability, the impact of the outage continues to linger, affecting shipping and delivery times across the globe.
