Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights in the aftermath of a global software outage that had grounded and delayed flights for several days.
On Sunday, Delta canceled around 1,300 flights and reported 1,600 delays, according to FlightAware data. This followed a staggering cancellation of more than 3,500 flights across Delta and Delta Connection over the previous Friday and Saturday.
By Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, amounting to about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 canceled flights and 155 delays, which is roughly 5% of its operations.
The troubles at Delta were linked to a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which went wrong late Thursday. This defect affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, preventing corporate users from accessing essential systems and causing disruptions like the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact was felt across multiple sectors, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance, but airlines and airports faced some of the most significant challenges. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 were canceled, with Delta facing the brunt of the issues.
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.” He emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting people and recognizing the difficulties caused by travel disruptions.
Bastian noted that Delta utilizes numerous applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for crew tracking that was immobilized by the shutdown. In response, Delta has introduced a travel waiver, allowing customers to change their flights at no cost, and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned on social media that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He insisted that Delta must offer refunds, complimentary rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for food and lodging to the affected customers, stating, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”