Delta Air Lines canceled hundreds of flights on Monday as the airline continued to struggle with recovery after a global software outage grounded and delayed trips around the world three days earlier.
The Atlanta-based airline canceled 1,300 flights on Sunday and delayed 1,600, according to FlightAware. Over the weekend, Delta and Delta Connection had already canceled more than 3,500 flights.
As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, Delta had canceled 626 flights and delayed 144, impacting about 20% of its planned operations. In comparison, American Airlines had canceled just 38 flights and delayed 155, which accounted for about 5% of its planned flights.
The issues stemmed from a failed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday night. A glitch in the update affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, leaving corporate users unable to access their systems and in some cases facing the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery companies, retailers, and financial institutions. Airlines and airports faced significant disruptions, with more than 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was the hardest hit.
“Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement on Sunday. “I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for many applications, including a tool for tracking crew members that was unable to function properly during the system shutdown. Delta has issued a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights for free and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated on social media late Sunday that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the disruptions. He emphasized that Delta must offer refunds, free rebooking, and timely reimbursements for food and hotel stays to affected customers.
“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” Buttigieg added.