Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline continues to recover from a significant global software outage that disrupted travel for several days.
The Atlanta-based airline canceled 1,300 flights on Sunday and delayed 1,600, according to data from FlightAware. Between Friday and Saturday, Delta had already canceled over 3,500 flights, including those operated by Delta Connection.
As of approximately 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, which represents about 20% of its planned operations. In contrast, American Airlines canceled only 38 flights and delayed 155, or about 5% of its flight schedule.
The troubles for Delta were triggered by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday night. This update caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users without access and experiencing critical errors, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage impacted nearly every major industry, affecting healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions, with airlines suffering particularly severe disruptions. On Friday alone, more than 46,000 flights experienced delays, while over 5,171 flights were canceled, with Delta facing the heaviest impact.
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. 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 noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for several applications, including a crew tracking system that was unable to process necessary updates due to the software malfunction. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights free of charge, as well as offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned on social media that his department received hundreds of complaints regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must provide refunds, facilitate free rebooking, and ensure prompt reimbursements for food and lodging expenses incurred by affected customers.
“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.