Delta Grapples with Prolonged Cancellations Amid Efforts to Reboot Operations Post-Tech Outage

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian noted that the pause in Delta’s operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights.

ATLANTA — Airlines, including Delta Air Lines, have been grappling to restore normal operations after a faulty software update caused worldwide technological disruptions. The chaos forced numerous carriers to ground their flights over the weekend.

Sunday saw 1,461 flights canceled within, into, or out of the U.S., according to FlightAware. Delta and United Airlines experienced the highest number of cancellations.

In a message to customers, Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged ongoing cancellations as the airline works to recover from the outage. The disruption has resulted in the cancellation of over 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection flights. Delta is offering waivers to those affected.

Bastian also mentioned that a crew tracking tool was impacted, which hampered handling the influx of changes due to the system outage.

“The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our re-accommodation capabilities,” Bastian explained. “I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been in contact with Bastian regarding the high volume of cancellations since Friday. The Department of Transportation reminded Delta of its obligation to refund passengers whose flights were canceled and who choose not to rebook.

“I have made clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide prompt refunds to consumers who choose not to be rebooked, and cover expenses for food and hotel stays for those affected by the delays and cancellations, as well as adequate customer service assistance to all of their passengers,” Buttigieg stated.

“No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to talk to a customer service agent,” added Buttigieg. “Our department will ensure that all applicable passenger protections are enforced to support Delta passengers.”