Delta Air Lines has canceled hundreds of flights as it attempts to recover from a significant software outage that disrupted operations globally for three days. On Sunday alone, the airline canceled 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600 according to FlightAware data. This followed the cancellation of over 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday.
By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had reported 626 flight cancellations and 144 delays, representing around 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines experienced minimal disruptions, canceling only 38 flights and delaying 155, about 5% of its plans.
The root of Delta’s troubles lies in a faulty software update executed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. A flaw in the update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users unable to access their systems and dealing with significant issues, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted almost all major sectors, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports facing the most severe consequences. On Friday, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and an additional 5,171 were canceled, with Delta being the hardest hit.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, noting that they are always a last resort. He apologized to those affected and emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers worldwide, acknowledging the challenges posed by such disruptions.
Bastian pointed out that Delta utilizes a substantial range of applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for tracking crew members that could not adapt to changes due to the system failure. In response, the airline has initiated a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost and is offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation support.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented on the situation, noting that his department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He stated that the airline must ensure refunds, provide options for free rebooking, and deliver timely reimbursements for food and accommodations for those affected. Buttigieg emphasized the importance of not leaving passengers stranded at airports or waiting excessively for customer service assistance.