Southwest Airlines paused all departing flights across the United States 🇺🇸 on July 31, 2025, after a major internet outage hit its core systems. The disruption started in the morning and lasted several hours, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving many travelers stranded at airports nationwide. By 2 p.m. Eastern Time, Southwest Airlines announced that systems were restored and departing flights were resuming, though delays continued throughout the day.
The internet outage affected Southwest Airlines’ main dispatching and operations systems, making it impossible to safely coordinate departing flights. According to spokesperson Lynn Lunford, “nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.” The airline apologized for the inconvenience and worked to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Travelers reported long waits and confusion at airports, with many seeking updates on their flights. The exact number of affected flights and passengers has not been released, but the impact was felt at major airports across the country. Southwest Airlines’ travel advisory page did not list the outage but continued to provide updates on weather-related disruptions and rebooking policies.
For passengers affected by the internet outage, Southwest Airlines’ standard policies apply. If your departing flight was delayed or canceled, you can rebook or travel standby within 14 days of your original travel date at no extra charge. If you decide not to travel due to a significant delay or cancellation, you may be eligible for a refund, even if your ticket was non-refundable. To check your flight status, use the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. For rebooking or refunds, visit the Southwest Airlines Help Center or call customer service.
Aviation experts say that while internet outages are rare, they can cause major problems because airlines depend on digital systems for everything from flight planning to customer service. Some analysts urge airlines to invest more in backup systems and better crisis plans to avoid similar disruptions in the future. Passenger advocacy groups stress the need for clear communication and flexible rebooking or refund options during such incidents.
Southwest Airlines, like other major carriers, relies heavily on technology to manage flights, crew schedules, and customer needs. Past IT outages at Southwest and other airlines have led to similar pauses, prompting reviews of digital infrastructure and emergency procedures. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these events highlight the need for strong IT systems and clear policies to protect travelers.
No new policies have been announced as a direct result of this outage. However, industry observers expect airlines to review and possibly strengthen their IT systems and backup plans. For now, Southwest Airlines continues to update travelers through its official channels.
If you need help due to the outage, check your flight status, rebook if needed, or request a refund through the official Southwest Airlines website. For the latest travel advisories and updates, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation for more information on your rights as an air traveler.
In summary, the Southwest Airlines internet outage on July 31, 2025, caused a temporary pause in departing flights, but operations have resumed. Passengers can rebook or request refunds under existing policies, and industry experts call for stronger IT protections to prevent future disruptions.
Learn Today
Internet Outage → A disruption that disables network access, affecting communication and system operations.
Dispatching Systems → Technology that coordinates flight schedules, crew assignments, and airport operations for safety.
Rebooking → The process of changing a passenger’s flight to a later date or different flight.
Standby Travel → Traveling on a flight without a confirmed seat, depending on available space at departure.
Refund → A repayment given to passengers when flights are delayed or canceled under airline policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 31, 2025, Southwest Airlines halted all departing flights after a severe internet outage disrupted core systems. Flights resumed by afternoon with ongoing delays. Passengers can rebook or get refunds under existing policies. Experts call for stronger technology backup to prevent future disruptions and protect travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
