The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure it is adequately addressing consumer issues, as the airline continues to face cancellations following a global tech outage from the previous week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a statement posted on social media. He noted that the department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding how Delta managed the aftermath of the tech disruptions.
Based in Atlanta, Delta has encountered significant operational challenges as it strives to return to normal after a faulty software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected businesses globally. This defect impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users with system access issues, including encounters with the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread ramifications, disrupting nearly every major industry, such as healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports experienced particularly severe effects, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was among the airlines most affected.
Delta reported the cancellation of around 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the airline canceled over 2,500 additional flights and delayed 3,441 more. On Tuesday, data from FlightAware indicated that 738 flights were either canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret regarding the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to all passengers who experienced disruptions, highlighting that Delta is focused on connecting the world and understands the challenges of travel delays.
Bastian mentioned that Delta relies on numerous Microsoft Windows applications, including a crew tracking tool that could not adjust to the operational changes resulting from the system failure. In response to the difficulties faced by customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing passengers to change their flight without charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.