Quantcast

Delta faces major disruptions post-CrowdStrike outage

Delta faces major disruptions post-CrowdStrike outage
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

Delta Air Lines continues to face significant operational challenges, with more cancellations than any other airline globally, following the CrowdStrike outage. Endeavor Air, owned by Delta, is experiencing even worse performance in percentage terms. United Airlines also struggles with recovery.

On Saturday, Delta canceled nearly 1,200 flights—over a third of its operations—and delayed nearly half of its flights. Endeavor Air canceled 44% of its flights. In contrast, Spirit Airlines faced difficulties while American Airlines canceled only 1% of its flights and Southwest Airlines canceled just one flight.

Southwest Airlines was reportedly unaffected due to its older technology systems like Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, although this claim was not substantiated.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

American Airlines highlighted its effective recovery from the CrowdStrike outage before Saturday. A spokesperson stated, "We devised some creative solutions early on at the IOC and worked closely with the FAA to find workarounds to get our flights dispatched. We also had some experts onsite there within 30 minutes of the issues popping up. So probably a bit more than luck!"

Delta Air Lines, typically known for outperforming peers, has struggled significantly with recovery efforts. Joe Brancatelli noted in his newsletter that Delta's crews and aircraft are largely out of position, making it difficult for the airline to reset operations. The airline has requested extra shifts from pilots and flight attendants to return to normalcy.

The disruption has led to long lines at airports and difficulties reaching customer service. Ethan M. Cortazzo tweeted about his experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: "Due to the global IT outage by @CrowdStrike on 7/19, my flight with @Delta at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been canceled twice (7/19 and 7/20). The airport is a ZOO, long lines at the lost baggage & customer service."

Passengers have reported extensive wait times for assistance through Delta's app. Liz Skalka shared her frustration on Twitter: "I live at the airport now. Thanks, @Delta!" Others reported even longer wait times.

The situation has also taken a toll on Delta's frontline employees who are dealing with immense stress without additional rewards for their efforts during this crisis. James Bramble tweeted about witnessing a Delta gate employee break down in tears due to the pressure.

Since 10 a.m. Saturday, Delta has remained silent except for stating they were "continuing their recovery." The current crisis highlights that despite Delta's reputation as a premium airline, it can still underperform dramatically compared to its peers.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified a potential safety issue involving ram air turbine (RAT) forward fittings on certain Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.

Aug 5, 2025

A United Airlines flight from London Heathrow to San Francisco International Airport was forced to return to its departure point shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue.

Aug 5, 2025

As the Royal Air Force (RAF) prepares for the retirement of its Hawker Siddeley Hawk T1 aircraft, industry sources indicate that BAE Systems, Saab, and Boeing may work together to develop a replacement.

Aug 5, 2025

Flight attendants at United Airlines have voted against a tentative labor agreement reached between the airline's management and union leadership.

Aug 5, 2025

Boeing's 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft will not receive certification until 2026 due to ongoing complications with the engine anti-ice system.

Aug 5, 2025

On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed near Muan, South Korea, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of the 181 people onboard.

Aug 5, 2025