The Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure that the airline is properly addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations linked to a global technology outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and confirmed that his department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding how Delta has handled the situation.
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges restoring operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions. The update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and encountering issues such as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had a widespread impact, affecting numerous industries, including healthcare, retail, delivery services, and finance. Airlines and airports experienced particularly severe effects, with over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was notably the hardest hit.
On Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. Over the following days, the airline continued to see cancellations, with more than 2,500 flights canceled on Sunday and Monday, along with 3,441 delays. As of Tuesday, another 738 flights faced cancellations or delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to all those affected by the disruptions, underscoring Delta’s commitment to connecting the world and recognizing the difficulties posed by travel interruptions.
Bastian noted that a substantial number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including essential tools for crew tracking that were unable to adjust to the system’s shutdown. In response, Delta has provided a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.