Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline struggled to recover from a global software outage that impacted operations over the weekend.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled 1,300 flights and delayed an additional 1,600, according to FlightAware. The airline had already scrapped more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights between Friday and Saturday.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta reported 626 canceled flights and 144 delayed flights, making up about 20% of its scheduled operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, which accounted for about 5% of its planned flights.
The root of Delta’s issues stemmed from a problematic software update implemented by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which occurred late Thursday. This update caused disruptions in Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems, with some experiencing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident affected numerous industries, including healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions, but airlines and airports experienced some of the most severe consequences. On Friday alone, more than 46,000 flights were delayed and over 5,171 were canceled, heavily impacting Delta.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He also noted the challenges faced by travelers during this disruption, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian explained that many of Delta’s systems rely on Microsoft Windows, including tools for crew tracking, which were unable to function due to the system shutdown. The airline has since offered a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without fees, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg commented on the situation over the weekend, revealing that his department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He urged the airline to ensure refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for all affected customers, emphasizing that “no one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”