Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline attempts to recover from a global software outage that impacted travel over the weekend.
On Sunday, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed around 1,600, according to FlightAware. The airline had previously canceled over 3,500 flights from Friday to Saturday. By early Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, which accounted for about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, making up roughly 5% of its planned services.
The problems originated from a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. The update malfunction caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, affecting corporate users and resulting in several experiencing the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, the airline sector suffered particularly severe consequences, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was particularly hard hit.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian remarked on Sunday, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to everyone impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we recognize how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian noted that many of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking that struggled to adapt to the system shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has provided a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation support.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media late Sunday that his department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the situation. Buttigieg emphasized that Delta must ensure refunds, allow free rebooking, and deliver timely reimbursements for food and lodging to customers affected by the disruptions.
He added, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”