Delta Continues to Face Disruptions with Over 600 Flights Canceled Monday Following Cyber Outage

Delta Air Lines experienced significant operational disruptions, canceling more than 600 flights on Monday as it struggled to recover from a global cyber outage that affected its systems last week. This represents about 16% of Delta’s total flights, highlighting the ongoing challenges the airline faces in restoring full service. FlightAware data indicated that this accounted for a substantial portion of the 1,100 U.S. flights canceled across various airlines.

The cyber incident, which primarily impacted Delta’s crew tracking system, has resulted in over 5,000 flight cancellations since last Friday. The fallout from the outage left thousands of passengers stranded, forcing some to resort to renting cars for long drives or to cancel their plans altogether due to the uncertainty around flight rescheduling.

The software update issue originated from CrowdStrike, a global cybersecurity firm, which inadvertently caused disruptions for Microsoft customers, including several airlines. While most U.S. carriers have managed to resume normal operations, Delta has found it particularly challenging to return to its regular flight schedule.

Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, addressed the situation over the weekend, explaining that the CrowdStrike-related problem affected their Microsoft Windows systems, disrupting essential applications such as crew tracking tools. This disruption hindered the airline’s ability to manage crew assignments effectively, leading to prolonged operational difficulties.

In communications with both customers and employees, Bastian emphasized ongoing efforts to adjust flight schedules tactically to prioritize safety and minimize inconvenience. Furthermore, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been in contact with Bastian, reinforcing the airline’s obligations to its customers and reminding Delta of the Department of Transportation’s regulatory authority.

Despite the operational turmoil, Delta’s stock remained relatively stable in premarket trading on Monday. The airline continues to work closely with IT specialists and cybersecurity professionals to stabilize its systems and prevent future disruptions. As the situation evolves, Delta is focused on mitigating impacts and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its travelers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, reuters.com