Delta Air Lines has faced significant operational challenges, canceling hundreds of flights on Monday as it continues to recover from a global software outage that occurred three days prior. This disruption led to extensive flight delays and cancellations worldwide.
On Sunday alone, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed another 1,600, as reported by FlightAware. Prior to this, the airline had already fully grounded over 3,500 flights over the weekend. By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, amounting to about 20% of its scheduled operations. In comparison, American Airlines reported just 38 cancellations and 155 delays, which constituted around 5% of its flights.
The root of Delta’s troubles stemmed from a flawed software update executed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday night. A defect in this update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users unable to access their systems, with some encountering the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident influenced nearly every major industry, impacting healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions, with airlines and airports notably affected. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 were canceled, with Delta taking the brunt of the impact.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret over the flight cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to customers affected by the disruptions, emphasizing Delta’s mission to connect the world.
Bastian noted that Delta relies on a wide range of applications utilizing Microsoft Windows, including essential tools for crew tracking that were unable to adjust due to the system failures. To assist affected travelers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, alongside meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
In response to the incident, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on social media that the department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta is obligated to offer refunds, free rebooking options, and expedited reimbursements for food and lodging to those impacted, adding, “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent.”