Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline struggled to recover from a global software outage that affected operations for three days.
The Atlanta-based airline reported the cancellation of 1,300 flights and delays for 1,600 on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Over the weekend, Delta had previously canceled more than 3,500 of its flights. By Monday morning, Delta canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, accounting for about 20% of its planned operations. In contrast, American Airlines canceled only 38 flights and delayed 155, which is approximately 5% of its scheduled flights.
The crisis began due to a failed software update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm. This update contained a flaw that negatively impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users without access and facing system errors, including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage had a wide-ranging impact, affecting multiple sectors including healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial organizations. Airlines, particularly Delta, experienced significant challenges, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued an apology to customers impacted by the situation, emphasizing that canceling flights is a last resort. He noted Delta’s reliance on Microsoft Windows for many applications, including those crucial for crew tracking, which hindered the airline’s ability to manage disruptions efficiently.
In response to the situation, Delta has offered a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without additional fees, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented on the situation, revealing that his department received numerous complaints about Delta’s handling of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking opportunities, and timely reimbursements for affected customers’ expenses, stating that no one should be left stranded at airports or left waiting for customer service.