Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it continued to recover from a global software outage that occurred over the weekend. The Atlanta-based airline reported the cancellation of 1,300 flights and the delay of 1,600 on Sunday alone, following more than 3,500 cancellations of Delta and Delta Connection flights between Friday and Saturday.
As of approximately 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its scheduled operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines experienced fewer issues, with only 38 cancellations and 155 delays, amounting to roughly 5% of its planned flights.
The root of Delta’s operational turmoil was traced to a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, implemented late Thursday. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and, in some cases, encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.” The fallout impacted a wide array of industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and financial institutions, with airlines, particularly Delta, being among the hardest hit.
On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and 5,171 were canceled across the industry. Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret for the inconveniences caused, 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.”
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for numerous applications, including crucial tools for tracking crew operations. In response to the situation, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights free of charge and has offered meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, stating that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must fulfill its obligations to provide refunds, free rebooking, and timely reimbursement for food and hotel expenses to affected passengers. Buttigieg added, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”