Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, as the airline canceled hundreds of flights following a global software failure that affected operations worldwide for three consecutive days.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600, according to FlightAware. The airline had already canceled over 3,500 flights—both Delta and Delta Connection—between Friday and Saturday. By Monday morning, Delta had scrapped 626 flights and delayed another 144, accounting for about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 cancellations and 155 delays, representing about 5% of its planned flights.
The root of Delta’s problems appears to stem from a flawed software update made by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday. This technical failure impacted Microsoft Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users unable to access their systems and, in severe cases, encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident affected a multitude of industries, from healthcare to finance, but airlines suffered the most. On Friday, over 46,000 flights experienced delays, with an additional 5,171 flights canceled. Delta, in particular, was significantly impacted.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers and emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting the world. In response, the airline is providing customers with a travel waiver for free flight changes, as well as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted on social media that his department received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He insisted that Delta must offer refunds, free rebooking, and timely reimbursements for affected customers’ expenses for meals and hotel stays. Buttigieg reinforced that no traveler should have to endure an overnight stay at an airport or spend hours on hold for customer service.