United States

Delta Air Lines warns of prolonged flight cancellations following IT outage

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Delta Air Lines is experiencing prolonged flight cancellations due to a global IT outage, with disruptions expected to continue for several more days.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta's handling of the crisis, citing significant flight interruptions and inadequate customer service.
  • Delta's recovery efforts have been hampered by issues with its crew scheduling system, leading to widespread operational challenges and passenger frustration.

Delta Air Lines has been thrust into a tumultuous period following a global IT outage that has caused widespread flight cancellations and significant disruptions for passengers. The airline has cautioned that the cancellations are expected to stretch for several more days as it works to restore normal operations.

The crisis began last Friday when a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused a crash in Windows software, leading to a ripple effect that disrupted airlines worldwide. While most carriers managed to recover quickly, Delta has continued to struggle, primarily due to issues with its crew scheduling system.

In a message to employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian described the situation as "a terrible weekend," confirming that the airline had canceled over 4,000 flights since the outage began. Bastian emphasized the company's commitment to its passengers, stating, "We do our utmost, especially during challenging times, to care for our customers".

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an investigation into Delta's handling of the crisis. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, "Our department will utilize the full range of our investigative and enforcement authority to ensure the rights of Delta's passengers are protected". The DOT cited significant flight interruptions and inadequate customer service as key areas of concern.

Delta's problems have been exacerbated by its reliance on a key system for scheduling crews, which was severely affected by the outage. This has made it difficult for the airline to process the numerous schedule changes required to manage the fallout from the IT failure. As a result, Delta has canceled hundreds of flights each day since the incident, with no immediate end in sight.

Passengers at Delta's hub at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have faced chaotic scenes, with unclaimed bags piling up and long lines of people seeking assistance. The airline's customer service has been overwhelmed, leading to frustration and anger among travelers.

Rahul Samant, Delta's chief information officer, acknowledged the challenges in a message to employees, stating, "We're hopeful we can resolve this. As Ed mentioned, there are certain actions we will take today and tomorrow to reach a more favorable situation by week's end". Samant emphasized that the IT team is working "diligently" and "around the clock" to address the ongoing issues.

The situation at Delta mirrors a similar meltdown experienced by Southwest Airlines during Christmas 2022, which also began with an external problem before revealing weaknesses in the airline's internal operations. The current crisis at Delta highlights the vulnerability of airlines to technological failures and the cascading effects they can have on operations and customer service.

As Delta continues to navigate this challenging period, passengers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. The airline has pledged to keep customers updated and provide support as it works to restore normal operations.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Travel
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJuly 2, 2025 at 5:00:00 PM

Why overtourism is testing the limits of global cities

In Rome, all roads may not lead to the Trevi Fountain, but many tourists would swear otherwise. The baroque marvel, commissioned in the...

Travel
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJune 27, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM

Qantas tightens enforcement on unauthorized buying and selling of frequent flyer points

Qantas has issued a clear warning to its members: illegal buying and selling of frequent flyer points won’t be tolerated. Amid growing concern...

Credit Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
CreditJune 27, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM

Singapore Airlines lie-flat business class now on every route

In global aviation, consistency is rare. Premium experiences are often limited to marquee routes and aircraft, while regional legs serve as placeholders—functional but...

Insurance
Image Credits: Unsplash
InsuranceJune 26, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM

Why more people are choosing premium travel insurance in 2025

If you’ve planned a trip recently, you’ve likely noticed: getting there—and back—comes with more uncertainty than ever. From sudden visa policy changes to...

Economy Middle East
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJune 21, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

What Middle East conflicts mean for flights and fares

As geopolitical tensions flare in the Middle East, the effects are being felt not just on the ground, but thousands of feet above...

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJune 19, 2025 at 6:00:00 PM

Singapore Airlines ranked second best airline in the world for 2025—and that’s no loss

In a year where global travel rebounded but margins stayed fragile, Singapore Airlines (SIA) being named the second-best airline in the world might...

Travel
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJune 18, 2025 at 11:00:00 PM

What is ecotourism and why it matters more than ever

The rainforest doesn’t need a five-star resort to be spectacular. A coral reef doesn’t ask for your presence—but if you’re lucky enough to...

Travel
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJune 17, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Rwanda’s tourism turnaround

Back in 1994, Rwanda was a byword for the world’s indifference to genocide. Nearly 800,000 people—mostly from the Tutsi minority—were slaughtered in just...

Insurance Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
InsuranceJune 16, 2025 at 6:00:00 PM

Why you need travel insurance for your Singapore trip

The countdown is on: your long-awaited escape to Singapore is just around the corner. A getaway meant to shake off work stress, mental...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyJune 16, 2025 at 4:30:00 PM

Why Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia’s name entry rules reveal a deeper ops fix

While the headlines frame it as a customer data update, the new name entry rules from Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia reveal a deeper...

Travel United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJune 15, 2025 at 11:00:00 PM

Why the summer road trip trend is back in 2025

Somewhere between your phone’s gas rewards app and a Spotify playlist titled “Highway Solstice,” the modern American summer vacation quietly rebooted. Forget flights,...

Travel
Image Credits: Unsplash
TravelJune 11, 2025 at 5:30:00 PM

Why solo travelling got more expensive?

Booking a solo flight used to be the frugal traveler’s best move. But for those flying within the United States today, traveling alone...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege