Airlines Struggle to Recover from Software Glitch Amid Busy Travel Weekend

NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines, particularly Delta Air Lines, are facing significant operational challenges following a faulty software update that disrupted services globally. Two days after the incident, the fallout continued, with a reported 1,461 flight cancellations within, into, or out of the U.S. on Sunday, according to FlightAware. Delta and United Airlines were among the hardest hit, with Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealing that the airline had to cancel over 3,500 flights as it worked to restore its systems. Bastian communicated with customers, acknowledging the ongoing cancellations and the impact of the software failure on crew tracking tools, which struggled to manage the surge of changes caused by the outage. He expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, particularly during one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer, when Delta's flight loads exceeded 90%. The airline has been providing waivers to affected passengers as part of its recovery efforts. In response to the situation, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg engaged with Bastian, emphasizing the need for Delta to fulfill its obligations to passengers. The Transportation Department has reminded the airline of its responsibility to issue refunds to those whose flights were canceled and who opt not to be rebooked. Buttigieg stressed the importance of timely reimbursements for affected travelers and adequate customer service, ensuring that no passengers are left stranded or facing long wait times for assistance. The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerabilities in airline operations and the critical need for robust technology systems, especially during peak travel periods.