Delta Air Lines faced significant operational challenges on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it continued to recover from a major global software outage that disrupted travel over the weekend.
The airline, based in Atlanta, canceled 1,300 flights on Sunday and delayed 1,600 according to FlightAware. This followed more than 3,500 cancellations of Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday. By Monday morning, Delta reported 626 flight cancellations and 144 delays, representing approximately 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 cancellations and 155 delays, which is about 5% of its planned flights.
The crisis originated from a faulty software update by the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike late Thursday night, which negatively impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. This left numerous corporate users unable to access essential systems, with some experiencing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread repercussions across various sectors, affecting healthcare providers, delivery services, retail businesses, and financial institutions, with airlines and airports experiencing the most severe impact. On the peak day of disruptions, over 46,000 flights were delayed and 5,171 were canceled, with Delta being the hardest hit.
In response to the inconvenience caused, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his regret, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” Bastian emphasized the airline’s commitment to customer service and connectivity and announced a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights at no cost, along with provisions for meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, noting that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He insisted that Delta must provide refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursements for expenses like food and lodging for affected travelers. Buttigieg underscored the importance of ensuring that customers are not left stranded at airports or stuck on hold for extended periods.