Delta Air Lines (DAL) Experiences Service Disruption in Detroit

Delta Air Lines (DAL) says that it experienced a temporary service disruption at the Detroit airport on Dec. 5.

The carrier was forced to halt all flights in Detroit due ‌to a technical connectivity issue. The Atlanta-based carrier issued a travel waiver for passengers traveling through the airport on Dec. 5 and 6. In all, a total of ⁠36 flights were ‌canceled and 97 were delayed in Detroit, according to data from FlightAware.

On social media, it has been reported that the ‍issue in Detroit is unique to Delta and not impacting competing carriers such as American Airlines (AAL) or Southwest (LUV). The Detroit airport is one of Delta’s ‌biggest hubs with flights to 106 destinations around the world.

Delta’s Normal Operations

The ground stop issued by Delta Air Lines is an air traffic control measure that temporarily halts ⁠flights from departing from ​an airport, ​usually due to safety, weather, or operational issues. In a written statement, Delta said, “We apologize for the inconvenience ‍to our ⁠customers and thank them for their patience as Delta teams work to safely ⁠return to normal operations.”

The disruption in Detroit comes as Delta and other airlines try to make gains during the busy year-end holiday travel season that includes U.S. Thanksgiving and Christmas. U.S. carriers were hit hard during the government shutdown in Washington, D.C. this autumn as air traffic controllers who were working without pay called in sick or refused to work, causing chaos across the airline industry.

Is DAL Stock a Buy?

Delta Air Lines’ stock has a consensus Strong Buy rating among 16 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 16 Buy recommendations issued in the last three months. The average DAL price target of $74.06 implies 9.88% upside from current levels.

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