The memo brought alleged pilot staffing issues within the company to light
NEED TO KNOW
- Delta canceled nearly 350 flights over the weekend due to pilot scheduling and staffing challenges
- An internal memo reportedly revealed that Delta’s crew scheduling technology has not kept pace with the airline’s operational growth
- Delta is hiring more pilots, but faced staffing gaps in 2025 that impacted operations this year
Delta Air Lines canceled nearly 350 flights over the weekend, citing crew scheduling issues.
The airline confirmed in a statement that the cancellations were due to "crew resources" according to a USA TODAY report.
“We apologize to our customers for higher than usual cancellations this past weekend due to crew resources. This is not consistent with the operational reliability that Delta is known for and has our full attention,” the airline said.
Credit: Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg via Getty
An April 24 internal memo obtained by USA TODAY allegedly revealed ongoing staffing issues at the company.
Allegedly sent by Ryan Gumm, the airline's senior vice president of flight operations, the letter reportedly said that flight operations-related cancellations have increased significantly since 2024, according to USA TODAY. The staffing problems are primarily due to pilot scheduling, per the report.
According to the letter, reported by the outlet, Delta is relying on alternative processes to staff trips on a more frequent basis. The memo reportedly said that pilots are accepting uncovered trips less frequently, meaning that the airline has been taking longer to assign alternative pilots to flights. The result is Delta having to make complex scheduling decisions closer to departure times than usual, per the outlet.
Credit: Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty
The memo also reportedly revealed that although Delta's operations have grown more complex over the last 15 years, crew scheduling technology has not evolved at the same rate.
“Delta pilots have stepped up to perform overtime flying on their days off in record numbers to keep the operation moving,” the memo said.
The airline is working to hire more staff to improve operations. According to the outlet citing Gumm's memo, Delta has 20% more pilots on its payroll now than it did in 2019, and hiring is outpacing the expansion of flight hours across the airline.
Pilot union representatives told USA TODAY that Delta's hiring fell short of its attrition rates in 2025, leaving a gap in staffing for 2026. Delta's contract with its pilots becomes amendable at the end of the year, and the airline and its pilot group are in active talks about the next contract, according to USA TODAY.
Delta did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment.
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Earlier this week, Delta confirmed to PEOPLE that it will remove all food and beverage service from hundreds of shorter flights under 349 miles.
“Beginning May 19, Delta is adjusting onboard beverage service to create a more consistent experience across our network. Customers traveling in Delta Comfort and Delta Main on flights 350 miles and above will now receive full beverage and snack service, while shorter flights will no longer offer food and beverage service—with the exception of Delta First which always receives full service," a Delta spokesperson told PEOPLE.
The spokesperson added, "Even on the small number of flights without beverage service, our crew will continue to be visible, available, and focused on caring for our customers, like they do on every flight."
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