The Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer issues as it continues to cancel flights following a significant global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized in a social media statement that “all airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He noted that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the technological disruptions.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced ongoing challenges in restoring operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses worldwide last Thursday. This update caused a malfunction that affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and facing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech outage impacted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports experienced the most significant disruptions, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on just Friday, as reported by FlightAware. Delta was particularly hard hit.
On Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. The airline canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed another 3,441 on Sunday and Monday. As of Tuesday, FlightAware reported 738 more flights had been canceled or delayed.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed regret in a statement on Sunday, saying, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian also noted that Delta relies on numerous applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including one that is vital for crew tracking, which was unable to function due to the system shutdown. In response to the situation, Delta announced a travel waiver permitting customers to change their flight schedules without penalty, along with offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.