The Department of Transportation is investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure that consumer rights are upheld following a series of flight cancellations linked to a recent global tech outage. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers, noting that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the incident.
Delta, based in Atlanta, faced significant operational challenges after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused disruptions worldwide. This defect affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in widespread access issues for corporate users and contributing to a phenomenon known as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact of the outage was felt across various sectors including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with the airline industry experiencing particularly severe consequences. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and 5,171 were canceled, with Delta being the most affected airline.
Throughout the weekend, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, alongside nearly 3,441 delayed flights. On Tuesday, the airline reported additional cancellations and delays affecting 738 flights.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruption, stating that canceling flights is a last resort for the airline. He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers during this period and assured customers that Delta is committed to reconnecting them with their intended destinations. To assist affected passengers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver that allows for free flight changes, along with providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation services.