diff --git a/magnum/conductor/handlers/bay_conductor.py b/magnum/conductor/handlers/bay_conductor.py
index f1e88ab40d..e3a5be6efa 100644
--- a/magnum/conductor/handlers/bay_conductor.py
+++ b/magnum/conductor/handlers/bay_conductor.py
@@ -246,6 +246,9 @@ class Handler(object):
             conductor_utils.notify_about_bay_operation(
                 context, taxonomy.ACTION_DELETE, taxonomy.OUTCOME_FAILURE)
             raise
+
+        bay.status = bay_status.DELETE_IN_PROGRESS
+
         self._poll_and_check(osc, bay)
 
         return None