Delta Air Lines experienced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it struggles to recover from a global software outage that affected its operations over the weekend. The Atlanta-based airline canceled 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600 on Sunday, following over 3,500 cancellations and delays between Friday and Saturday.
By Monday morning, Delta had already canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines canceled only 38 flights and delayed 155, around 5% of its schedule.
The issues at Delta were linked to a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which was implemented late Thursday. This update affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, resulting in significant disruptions for corporate users and causing widespread system access problems, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The airline industry, among others, faced severe impacts from the incident, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,000 canceled on Friday alone. Delta experienced the most significant interruptions.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his regret over the situation, emphasizing that canceling flights is never taken lightly. He apologized to customers affected by the disruptions, affirming Delta’s commitment to connecting people and acknowledging the difficulties customers face when their travel plans are thwarted.
Bastian noted that Delta relies on a range of applications that operate on Microsoft Windows, including tools essential for crew tracking, which became inoperative due to the system failures. To assist affected travelers, Delta introduced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, along with provisions for meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Following the disruptions, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg revealed that his department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response. He stated that the airline has a responsibility to refund customers, provide free rebooking, and reimburse expenses for meals and hotel stays for those impacted.
“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg emphasized.