Demand filed against Delta Air Lines for Flight Disruptions caused by CrowdStrike Technical Glitch
Passengers whose Delta Air Lines flights were affected by a CrowdStrike technical glitch last month filed a lawsuit against the airline this week, accusing the airline of not quickly resuming flight operations.
Flight Cancellations and Compensation Issues
Following the July 19 suspension, Delta Air Lines experienced prolonged issues compared to other airlines. By July 22, Delta had canceled over 1,250 flights, significantly more than any other airline, accounting for about 70% of all flights within and outside the United States. CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged the challenges in resuming operations, describing them as difficult and frustratingly complicated. While other airlines were back to normal operations within days, Delta’s chaos persisted.
The lawsuit, filed by Sauder Schelkopf and Webb, Klase & Lemond on behalf of affected passengers, claims that “no other U.S. airline has canceled a tenth as many flights.” It also alleges that Delta failed to adequately compensate passengers for disrupted flight schedules by providing only partial refunds and requiring passengers to sign a waiver releasing Delta from legal claims.
Technical Glitch and Operational Challenges
Many airlines rely on Microsoft Office365 for scheduling, including crew, passenger, and baggage transfers. The CrowdStrike glitch caused these systems to fail, leading airlines to resort to manual dispatching. Delta attributed the operational delay to “excessive reliance on Windows software,” making crew scheduling, pilot assignments, and flight attendant allocations difficult.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines hired prominent attorney David Boies to pursue losses from the CrowdStrike disruptions. CrowdStrike defended itself, dismissing industry attempts to blame cybersecurity firms for the response to the interruption.
Legal Action and Industry Impact
As passengers continue to seek refunds and compensation, Delta’s handling of the situation has raised concerns. The lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by both passengers and airlines in the wake of technical disruptions and the repercussions on the industry’s operational efficiency.
