Delta Air Lines faced significant disruption on Monday as it canceled hundreds of flights, grappling with the aftereffects of a global software failure that had already grounded and delayed numerous flights for three consecutive days.
The Atlanta-based airline canceled approximately 1,300 flights and delayed around 1,600 on Sunday alone, according to data from FlightAware. Between Friday and Saturday, Delta had already canceled over 3,500 flights, including those operated by Delta Connection.
By Monday morning, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, amounting to nearly 20% of its planned operations. In contrast, American Airlines canceled only 38 flights and delayed 155, which represented about 5% of its scheduled flights.
The disruptions were triggered by a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday night. This issue led to malfunctions in Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing extensive access problems for corporate clients, many of whom experienced the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
Various sectors, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance, were affected by this incident. The airline industry faced particularly steep challenges, with over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, with Delta being the hardest hit.
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. I apologize to everyone affected by these events. Delta is dedicated to connecting the world, and we understand how difficult travel disruptions can be.”
Bastian noted that Delta relies on numerous applications using Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking tool that failed to adapt to the system shutdown. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver that allows affected customers to change their flights for free, as well as offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation on social media, revealing that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for food and hotel expenses for those inconvenienced.
“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.