The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations linked to a global technology outage last week.
In a statement released on social media Tuesday, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and assured that his department would uphold these rights. He noted that his agency has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring normal operations after a flawed software update by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected businesses worldwide late last Thursday. This update caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users without system access and some encountering the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The widespread incident impacted nearly all major industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports experiencing some of the most significant disruptions. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and an additional 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta facing the brunt of the cancellations.
Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. The airline reported cancellations of more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, along with delays affecting another 3,441. By Tuesday, 738 flights had either been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that flight cancellations are a last resort and not taken lightly. He apologized to all those affected and underscored Delta’s mission of connecting the world, acknowledging the difficulties caused by travel disruptions.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications using Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking tool that was unable to function due to the system shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without penalty and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.