Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the company faced challenges recovering from a global software outage that impacted travel worldwide over the weekend.
Based in Atlanta, Delta canceled about 1,300 flights on Sunday and delayed another 1,600, according to FlightAware data. Additionally, the airline had previously canceled over 3,500 flights across Delta and its Delta Connection brand between Friday and Saturday.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, the airline had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, which represents around 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported just 38 cancellations and 155 delays, amounting to about 5% of its planned flights.
The disruptions were primarily caused by a flawed software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, implemented late Thursday. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access essential services and in some instances facing the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted nearly all major industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but airlines experienced severe impacts, with over 46,000 flights delayed and an additional 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, as reported by FlightAware. Delta was the most affected.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret over the cancellations. “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly,” he stated on Sunday. “I want to apologize to all who have been affected by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
He noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for many applications, including one for tracking crew assignments, which was unable to adapt due to the system failure. In response, Delta has issued a travel waiver, allowing customers to change their flights without charge and providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, mentioning his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He stated that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursement for meals and hotel stays for 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,” he added.