Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it attempts to recover from a global software outage that led to widespread cancellations and delays over the weekend.
On Sunday alone, the Atlanta-based airline canceled approximately 1,300 flights and experienced delays with 1,600 others, according to data from FlightAware. The turmoil began with more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights being canceled from Friday to Saturday.
As of around 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its schedule for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported just 38 flight cancellations and 155 delays, amounting to about 5% of its operations.
Delta’s operational challenges were linked to a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday. This malfunction affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, which left corporate clients without access and caused widespread issues, including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had far-reaching impacts across various industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines were particularly hard hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta being the most impacted.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his regret over the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to everyone who has been impacted by these events.” He emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers and acknowledged the difficulties presented by trip disruptions.
Bastian noted that numerous Delta applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for crew tracking that was unable to adapt to the changes caused by the shutdown. To assist customers, Delta implemented a travel waiver, allowing for free flight changes, and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transport assistance.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared on social media that his department received “hundreds of complaints” about how Delta managed the disruptions. He stressed the necessity for Delta to offer refunds, free rebooking options, and timely reimbursements for food and lodging to those affected.
“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.