Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it began to recover from a severe global software failure that had grounded and delayed flights for three consecutive days.
The Atlanta-based airline canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed around 1,600 on Sunday, as reported by FlightAware. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights were also canceled.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had already canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, accounting for just 5% of its planned flights.
The troubles Delta experienced were linked to a flawed software update implemented by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. This update inadvertently affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving users in various sectors without access to essential systems and causing disruptions, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
Various industries were impacted by this software failure, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, airlines and airports were among the hardest hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware data. Delta reported the most significant disruptions.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued an apology on Sunday, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian highlighted that Delta relies on numerous applications running on Microsoft Windows, including crew tracking tools, which were unable to manage operational changes due to the system’s shutdown. To assist affected travelers, Delta has announced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transport.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted on social media late Sunday that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruption. He emphasized that Delta must offer refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursements for meals and hotel accommodations to passengers whose travel plans were affected.
“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg added.