Delta Air Lines is set to cancel approximately 150 flights on Thursday after numerous regional jets were grounded for inspections, a spokesperson informed Flying Frugal.
Additional disruptions may impact travelers on Friday.
On Thursday afternoon, Endeavor Air, Delta’s regional subsidiary, took 45 Delta Connection jets out of service for Wi-Fi system inspections.
By 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, 60 Endeavor-operated Delta Connection flights had already been canceled, based on data from FlightAware.
Delta reports that cancellations could approach 150 by the end of the day, admitting that “some limited disruption” could persist into Friday.
By Thursday evening, another 20 Friday departures had already been canceled.
“We apologize to customers whose Delta Connection flights operated by our regional partner Endeavor Air have been disrupted,” Delta stated to Flying Frugal. “Our customer service teams are promptly working to find alternative options for affected customers to help them reach their destinations as quickly as possible while Endeavor’s Technical Operations teams strive to return the aircraft to service.”
Delta reassured Flying Frugal that the inspections are not related to flight safety issues.
Like other major airlines, Delta relies on regional partners to serve smaller markets.
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Endeavor Air operates a fleet of CRJ-900 regional jets primarily for Delta Connection flights. The regional carrier services a wide network out of several East Coast and Midwest Delta hubs, including the mega-hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Delta’s combined mainline and regional fleet includes nearly 1,300 aircraft, meaning the 45 jets taken out of service on Thursday account for approximately 3% of its total fleet.
Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled
Delta has acknowledged that Thursday’s disruptions were within its control, which is typically the case with maintenance matters.
The airline is providing accommodations, vouchers, and rebooking assistance to affected passengers.
Remember, if your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to accept alternative arrangements, as per U.S. Department of Transportation policy.
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