Delta Air Lines has canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline struggles to recover from a global software outage that grounded and delayed travel for three days.
The Atlanta-based airline had already canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600 on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Prior to this, more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights were canceled between Friday and Saturday.
By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its planned operations. In comparison, American Airlines had canceled just 38 flights and delayed 155, approximately 5% of its planned flights.
The issues facing Delta originated from a flawed software update performed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday. A defect in the update affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and, in some cases, facing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but airlines and airports were particularly hard hit. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights experienced delays, and an additional 5,171 were canceled, with Delta facing the most significant disruptions.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, 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 applications, including a crew tracking tool that was unable to function due to the shutdown. Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, stating his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must offer refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for meals and lodging to 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 added.