Delta Air Lines canceled numerous flights on Monday as it continues to cope with the fallout from a global software outage that disrupted travel for several days.
The airline, based in Atlanta, had already canceled 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600 on Sunday, with more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights affected between Friday and Saturday. By Monday morning, Delta reported 626 canceled flights and 144 delayed flights, impacting around 20% of its planned operations. In contrast, American Airlines only canceled 38 flights and delayed 155, affecting about 5% of its operations.
The disruptions were linked to a flawed software update by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which created issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. This left many corporate users unable to access their systems, and in some cases, confronted the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage affected nearly all major industries, with airlines and airports among those hit the hardest. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and another 5,171 were canceled. Delta bore the brunt of these challenges.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to customers affected by the disruptions and acknowledged the difficulties encountered when travel plans change unexpectedly.
Bastian pointed out that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows-based applications, including crucial tools for tracking crew members that failed to adapt to the unexpected system shutdown. The airline is offering customers a travel waiver allowing free changes to their flights, as well as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that his department had received many complaints regarding Delta’s management of the disruptions, insisting that the airline should refund, rebook for free, and reimburse affected customers for meals and lodging costs.
“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg emphasized.