Delta Air Lines faced significant operational challenges on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline continued to recover from a major software outage that disrupted air travel globally.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600, according to FlightAware, and had previously seen more than 3,500 cancellations over the preceding Friday and Saturday. By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had already canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing roughly 20% of its scheduled flights for the day. In comparison, American Airlines reported only 38 cancellations and 155 delays, totaling about 5% of its flights.
The disruption originated from a flawed software update by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm. This update malfunctioned, affecting Microsoft Windows operating systems and causing widespread access issues for corporate users, leading to numerous technical difficulties, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact of the incident was extensive, disrupting various sectors, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports were particularly hard hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 flights canceled on just Friday. Delta emerged as one of the most affected airlines.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the difficulty caused by the flight cancellations. He emphasized that canceling flights is a final measure that the airline does not take lightly, stating, “Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian mentioned that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for many of its applications, including critical tools for crew tracking. To assist those affected, Delta implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights at no cost and offered additional support in the form of meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg indicated on social media that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He urged Delta to ensure customers receive refunds, complimentary rebooking options, and prompt reimbursement for expenses related to food and hotel stays incurred during this period. Buttigieg remarked, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”