Delta’s Turbulent Weekend: Thousands of Flights Canceled Amid Software Crisis

Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as it continues to experience difficulties in the aftermath of a global software outage that disrupted flights worldwide for three days.

The Atlanta-based airline had already canceled 1,300 flights and delayed 1,600 on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Over the weekend, Delta and its Delta Connection partner had previously canceled more than 3,500 flights from Friday to Saturday.

As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta noted that it had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, representing about 20% of its planned operations for the day. In contrast, American Airlines reported only 38 canceled flights and 155 delays, which accounts for approximately 5% of its scheduled services.

The problems for Delta were linked to a failed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred late Thursday night. The defective update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, which left corporate users without access to essential systems and, in some instances, resulted in the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”

A wide range of industries faced disruptions from this incident, including healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions. Airlines and airports experienced the brunt of the impact, with over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations on Friday alone, according to FlightAware, with Delta bearing the most significant consequences.

“Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly,” stated Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a Sunday announcement. “I want to apologize to everyone affected by these events. Delta is committed to connecting the world, and we understand the difficulties when travel plans are disrupted.”

Bastian acknowledged that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for numerous applications, including a tool for tracking crew schedules that could not adapt to the system shutdown. To assist affected travelers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights at no extra charge, alongside offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed on social media that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must ensure refunds, free rebooking, and prompt reimbursements for food and accommodation for those affected.

“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or left waiting on hold for hours to speak with a customer service agent,” Buttigieg remarked.

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