Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it struggled to recover from a global software failure that grounded and delayed flights across the globe over the weekend.
The Atlanta-based airline had to cancel approximately 1,300 flights on Sunday and faced further delays to 1,600 others, according to FlightAware. Between Friday and Saturday, Delta had already canceled more than 3,500 flights for both Delta and Delta Connection.
By Monday morning around 8 a.m. ET, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed an additional 144, representing about 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 canceled flights and 155 delays, about 5% of its schedule.
The airline’s troubles originated from a flawed software update executed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. This update had a defect that affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, preventing corporate users from accessing essential systems and leading to some experiencing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact of this incident rippled through nearly every major industry, affecting healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions. Airlines and airports were especially hard hit, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware data. Delta was among the most severely affected.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his regret in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that canceling flights is always a last resort. He apologized to all those affected, acknowledging the frustration caused by travel disruptions and affirmed Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers worldwide.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on a wide range of applications that use Microsoft Windows, including tools for crew tracking, which became inoperative due to the system shutdown. In response, Delta offered a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.
On Sunday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned on social media that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation. He asserted that Delta needs to ensure refunds, free rebooking options, and timely reimbursements for food and lodging for affected passengers.
Buttigieg concluded by stating no passenger should be left stranded at an airport overnight or endure long waits to reach customer service.