Delta Air Lines experienced significant disruptions on Monday, canceling hundreds of flights as it attempted to recover from a global software failure that had already caused widespread delays and cancellations over the weekend.
On Sunday, Delta canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600, with data from FlightAware indicating that the airline had earlier canceled over 3,500 flights between Friday and Saturday. By 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed another 144, marking around 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 canceled flights and 155 delays, representing about 5% of its operations.
The source of Delta’s challenges was linked to a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike late Thursday, which unintentionally affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems. This left many corporate users without access to essential systems, causing significant operational setbacks for various industries, particularly airlines and airports.
On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and more than 5,171 were canceled according to FlightAware, with Delta suffering the most extensive impact.
Delta 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 emphasized the company’s commitment to reconnecting travelers and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruptions.
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for various applications, including a tool for tracking crew members, which was unable to adapt to the changes brought on by the incident. To assist affected passengers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free changes to flights, along with offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.
In response to the overwhelming complaints about Delta’s handling of the disruptions, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the airline must ensure refunds, free rebooking options, and prompt reimbursements for food and lodging for affected travelers. Buttigieg emphasized that no customer should be left stranded at an airport overnight or forced to wait on hold for extended periods to reach customer service.