Delta Air Lines has faced significant disruptions, canceling hundreds of flights on Monday as it attempts to recover from a global software outage that affected travel for several days.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled 1,300 flights and delayed another 1,600, following over 3,500 cancellations from Friday to Saturday. By Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines reported just 38 cancellations and 155 delays, about 5% of its own planned flights.
The airline’s challenges stem from a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night, which adversely impacted Microsoft Windows systems. As a result, corporate users were unable to access their systems, experiencing issues including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The disruption was widespread, affecting various sectors such as healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced particularly severe consequences, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, with Delta bearing the brunt of these delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He offered apologies to those affected and emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers worldwide.
Bastian noted that many of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, mentioning a crew tracking tool that failed to process operational changes due to the outage. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, highlighting that his department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He insisted that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for affected customers, asserting that no travelers should be left stranded at airports overnight or have to endure long wait times for customer service.