Delta Air Lines faced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as the airline grappled with the aftermath of a global software outage that caused widespread delays and cancellations over the weekend.
On Sunday, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed an additional 1,600, according to FlightAware. The airline had already canceled over 3,500 flights between Friday and Saturday, highlighting the severity of the situation.
By Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144 more, which accounted for around 20% of its planned operations. In contrast, American Airlines experienced minimal disruptions, canceling only 38 flights and delaying 155, representing about 5% of its scheduled flights.
The troubles began due to a problematic software update implemented by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday. A flaw in the update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users unable to access their systems, with some experiencing the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had a ripple effect across various sectors, impacting healthcare providers, logistics companies, retailers, and financial services. However, airlines and airports were particularly hard hit, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, with Delta bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian expressed 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 every one of you who have been impacted by these events.” He noted that Delta heavily relies on Microsoft Windows for numerous applications, including crucial tools for tracking crew schedules, which were unable to function due to the system failure. To assist affected travelers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver that allows customers to change flights without fees, along with providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta is required to refund customers, offer free rebooking, and ensure prompt reimbursements for expenses incurred for food and lodging. “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg remarked.