The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is properly addressing consumer complaints amid a series of flight cancellations stemming from a global technology outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and emphasized his commitment to upholding that right. He noted that his department has received numerous complaints about Delta’s handling of the situation following the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming normal operations after a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike failed, affecting customers worldwide. This glitch, which impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, left many corporate users unable to access essential systems and facing critical issues like the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted nearly every major industry, heavily impacting sectors such as healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. The airline industry experienced significant setbacks, with FlightAware reporting over 46,000 delayed flights and nearly 5,200 cancellations on Friday alone, with Delta being the hardest hit.
Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations and 3,441 delays on Sunday and Monday. Reports indicated that as of Tuesday, 738 flights have already been canceled or delayed.
In a statement, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruption, stating that canceling flights is a last resort for the company. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by travelers due to these events, reiterating Delta’s commitment to facilitating connections around the world.
Bastian explained that the airline utilizes various applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including critical tools for crew tracking, which were unable to adapt to the unexpected system interruption. To help affected customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, along with meal vouchers, accommodations, and transportation support.