Delta Air Lines has canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline continues to recover from a global software outage that disrupted operations over the weekend. The Atlanta-based airline reported 1,300 flight cancellations and 1,600 delays on Sunday alone, following the cancellation of over 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday.
By approximately 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, accounting for about 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 cancellations and 155 delays, representing about 5% of its operations.
The disruption is attributed to a failed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which was implemented late Thursday. This defective update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to significant access issues for corporate users and causing widespread complications across various sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines faced some of the most severe impacts, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations on Friday alone, with Delta being the most affected carrier.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He addressed the inconvenience caused to customers, emphasizing the airline’s role in connecting the world and the challenges that disruptions can create for travelers.
Bastian noted that Delta relies on numerous applications using Microsoft Windows, including tools for tracking crew data, which were unable to adapt to the system shutdown. In response to the issues, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.
Additionally, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented on social media, indicating that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the crisis. He urged the airline to offer refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursements for meals and hotel stays to affected passengers. Buttigieg stressed that no one should endure overnight airport stays or lengthy waits for customer service assistance.