Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline continues to deal with the aftermath of a global software outage that occurred three days prior.
The Atlanta-based airline reported the cancellation of 1,300 flights and the delay of 1,600 flights on Sunday, following the cancellation of more than 3,500 flights over the preceding Friday and Saturday. By Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, accounting for approximately 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines had only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, about 5% of its plans for the day.
The root of Delta’s troubles lies in a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that disrupted Microsoft Windows operating systems late Thursday night. This glitch left corporate users, including airlines, without access to essential systems, causing widespread operational challenges. The airline industry was particularly hard-hit, with more than 46,000 flights delayed and over 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, noting that canceling flights is a last resort. He apologized to affected customers, stating, “Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.” Bastian highlighted that several Delta applications reliant on Windows were impacted, including crucial tools for crew tracking.
To assist customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the situation on social media, stating that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He emphasized that the airline must offer refunds, free rebooking, and timely reimbursements for expenses incurred by affected passengers. “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg asserted.