The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations triggered by a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, asserting his commitment to uphold that right. He noted that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the tech issues.
Delta, which is based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in fully resuming operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses globally. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing significant issues for corporate users, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage impacted numerous major industries, including healthcare, retail, financial services, and delivery companies, with airlines and airports suffering the most significant consequences. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and more than 5,171 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being the hardest hit.
Delta reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. The airline continued to face disruptions into the following days, canceling more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, with an additional 3,441 flights delayed. As of Tuesday, 738 flights have already been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, stating that canceling flights is always a last resort. He acknowledged the challenges travelers face when their plans are disrupted and reassured customers that Delta is dedicated to connecting people globally.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications utilizing Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for crew tracking that struggled to adapt due to the system shutdown. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.