Microsoft IT outage latest: Global IT ‘disaster’ thought ‘not to be cyber attack’ – as airports and banks cope with ‘chaos’

By Florian Neuhof, Berlin producer

Long lines stretched from beleaguered counters in Berlin airport cavernous check in area, and confused families wandered the concourse in search of information on their holiday flights. Airport staff flitting through the crowds were unable to provide it.

Departures resumed from Berlin airport from 10am, after technical glitches had been resolved, a spokesperson told Sky News.

But flights have been cancelled well beyond that point. 

Anna, who sat on the marbled floor with her four kids, had been scheduled to fly to Split in Croatia at noon. 

She found out that her flight had been cancelled when she got to the terminal at 9:30am.

“The only information we were able to find was a piece of paper that has been posted to a wall. Of the 20 flights, only about three hadn’t been cancelled.”

Anna is now looking at alternative means of transport.

“We might have to get there by train, or even by car,” she said.

Maria and Francisco, an elderly Portuguese couple, had come to the airport to catch their 1pm flight to Lisbon. 

Looking disoriented, they told Sky News that they had been unable to get find out if the flight was still on.

“Our only option is to stay here and wait,” shrugged Maria.