The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns, as it continues to cancel flights following a global tech failure last week.
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers have the right to fair treatment and pledged to uphold this right. He noted that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring full operations days after a problematic software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike affected businesses worldwide. A flaw in the update impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to significant disruptions for corporate users, particularly causing issues including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread ramifications across nearly all major industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, the airline and airport sectors were among the hardest hit. On Friday alone, FlightAware reported over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations, with Delta experiencing the greatest impact.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. Subsequently, the airline canceled more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, along with reports of 3,441 delays. By Tuesday, 738 flights had either been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating that canceling flights is always a last resort. He extended apologies to those affected, reaffirming Delta’s mission in connecting people globally and acknowledging the difficulties caused by travel disruptions.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on many applications using Microsoft Windows, including tools necessary for crew tracking, which were hindered by the system failure. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights at no cost, alongside providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.