The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the company is properly addressing consumer rights in light of ongoing flight cancellations linked to a recent global tech outage. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers, stating on social media that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has been struggling to restore normal operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected businesses worldwide. A glitch in this update disrupted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to significant access issues for corporate users, some of whom encountered the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
This incident has had widespread repercussions, impacting several major industries, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced some of the most severe disruptions; on Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and approximately 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta facing the brunt of the impact.
The airline reported the cancellation of about 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with delays affecting another 3,441 flights. As of Tuesday, another 738 flights faced cancellations or delays.
In response, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions, explaining that canceling flights is a last resort. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by travelers when their plans are altered and reiterated Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian stated that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for various applications, particularly a crew tracking tool that was unable to function due to the system outages. In light of the situation, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.