Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline continues to recover from a significant global software outage that disrupted operations three days prior.
The Atlanta-based airline reported canceling 1,300 flights and delaying 1,600 on Sunday, with previous cancellations exceeding 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday. As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had already canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, marking approximately 20% of its scheduled operations for that day. In contrast, American Airlines experienced far fewer cancellations, with only 38 flights canceled and 155 delayed, about 5% of its planned operations.
The disruptions were caused by a faulty software update by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which occurred late Thursday night. This update negatively impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in corporate users experiencing system access issues, including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The fallout affected nearly every major industry, notably impacting healthcare providers, delivery companies, retailers, and financial institutions, with airlines and airports being particularly hard hit. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights faced delays, and an additional 5,171 flights were canceled, with Delta experiencing the most severe impact.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, emphasizing that canceling flights is always a last resort. He apologized to customers affected by the disruptions, acknowledging the challenges of disrupted travel plans. Bastian explained that many of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including critical tools for tracking crew members, which were unable to function due to the system outage.
To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing for free flight changes and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg noted on social media that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s management of the situation. He emphasized the importance of providing refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for food and hotel expenses to those impacted. Buttigieg stressed that no passenger should have to endure being stranded overnight at an airport or wait excessively for customer service assistance.