Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as it continues to recover from a global software outage that caused widespread delays and grounding of flights earlier in the week.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed around 1,600, as reported by FlightAware. In total, the airline had canceled over 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday.
By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, which accounts for about 5% of its planned flights.
The ongoing disruptions trace back to a problematic software update conducted by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access critical systems and, in certain cases, faced with the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted almost every major industry, impacting healthcare, delivery services, retail, and financial institutions. Airlines and airports experienced significant challenges, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta suffering the most.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement, saying, “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 explained that Delta relies on a “significant number of applications” that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking tool that struggled to adapt to the system shutdown. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no extra cost, and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Additionally, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg noted on social media that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursements for food and accommodation for affected passengers.
“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg stated.