Delta Air Lines faced continued challenges as it canceled hundreds more flights on Tuesday morning, marking the fifth day of disruptions following a global tech outage. The Atlanta-based airline canceled 383 flights, with its regional carrier, Endeavor Air, canceling an additional 18 flights. These cancellations added to the 1,250 flights canceled on Monday and the 4,500 flights canceled from Friday through Sunday.
The root of the issues can be traced back to a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that caused Windows software to crash, leading to widespread problems in the airline industry last Friday. While most airlines managed to recover over the weekend, Delta struggled to resolve issues with its crew tracking system, resulting in a shortage of pilots and flight attendants.
Delta's Chief Information Officer acknowledged that the problems would persist for several more days, with IT staff working tirelessly to rectify the situation. Passengers and crew members alike faced frustrations, with many stranded travelers unable to secure alternative flights and forced to sleep in airports. Crew members found themselves in similar predicaments, unable to be placed on flights due to the airline's inability to locate and assign them.
To address staffing challenges, Delta offered premium pay and assurances to crew members, signaling that the issue may persist for several more days. The service meltdown has already cost Delta an estimated $163 million in lost revenue, with additional expenses expected to escalate. The airline's reputation for on-time performance and customer service has taken a hit, potentially impacting future bookings.
Reuniting passengers with their checked baggage poses another challenge, with thousands of pieces of luggage awaiting collection at airports. While United Airlines also experienced disruptions, it managed to restore near-normal operations, with only a fraction of flights canceled on Monday. Despite efforts to resolve the situation, the aftermath of the tech outage continues to impact both airlines and passengers.
