Delta’s Software Woes Leave Travelers Stranded: What’s Next?

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Delta Air Lines has canceled several hundred flights on Monday as the airline continues to deal with the repercussions of a global software malfunction that grounded flights for several days worldwide.

On Sunday, Delta canceled 1,300 flights and delayed an additional 1,600, based on data from FlightAware. This followed over 3,500 cancellations of Delta and Delta Connection flights from Friday to Saturday.

As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, which represents about 20% of its scheduled operations. In contrast, American Airlines canceled only 38 flights and delayed 155, about 5% of its planned schedule.

The problems for Delta originated from a failed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. The faulty update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, disrupting access for corporate users and causing issues such as the “Blue Screen of Death.”

The incident impacted nearly all major industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but airlines were particularly affected. On Friday alone, there were more than 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations, with Delta suffering the most significant impact.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized on Sunday, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”

Bastian explained that Delta operates many applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for tracking crew movements, which struggled to adapt to the shutdown caused by the software issue. The airline has introduced a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without charge and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation for impacted travelers.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on social media that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the situation, emphasizing that the airline must ensure refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for food and lodging for those affected.

“Buttigieg stated, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”

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