Delta Air Lines has canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline grapples with the aftermath of a global software outage that caused significant disruptions over the weekend.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled 1,300 flights and delayed another 1,600, according to FlightAware data. The airline had previously suffered a larger impact, with over 3,500 flights canceled from Friday to Saturday.
As of Monday morning, Delta reported 626 cancellations and 144 delays, which accounted for approximately 20% of their planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines only faced 38 cancellations and 155 delays, representing about 5% of their scheduled flights.
The problems for Delta originated from a faulty software update conducted by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday. This update inadvertently affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access crucial systems and, at times, encountering the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted numerous sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports suffering particularly severe consequences. On Friday, over 46,000 flights experienced delays, and an additional 5,171 were canceled, with Delta being the most affected.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret over the disruptions, 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 despite the challenges posed by the incident.
Bastian explained that a significant number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including essential tools for crew tracking, which were hindered by the system outage. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights for free, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on social media that the Department of Transportation received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the disturbances. He asserted that the airline has an obligation to offer refunds, free rebooking, and timely reimbursements for food and hotel expenses to the affected travelers, adding, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”