American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines have initiated a global ground stop on all flights, citing a significant Microsoft outage currently affecting their operations. The decision, announced early this morning, has resulted in thousands of travelers stranded at airports worldwide.

The outage, which has affected Microsoft's cloud services, has had a cascading effect on various industries, including airlines, banks, and media outlets. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop, stating that the decision was made to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew.

"We are working closely with Microsoft to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," said a spokesperson for American Airlines. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we apologize for the inconvenience caused by this outage."

The ground stop has already resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights, with many more expected to be affected throughout the day. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on their flights and possible rebooking options.

As of now, Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when the outage will be resolved. However, the company has assured customers that it is working diligently to address the issue and restore services.

The global impact of the outage has been felt across various sectors, with reports of disruptions in banking services, media outlets, and even emergency services. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing reliance on technology and the potential consequences of a widespread outage.

As the situation unfolds, airlines are urging passengers to remain patient and understanding as they work to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.