The Department of Transportation is investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being respected as the airline continues to cancel flights following last week’s widespread technology outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a social media statement, revealing that the department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges in resuming its operations following a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred late Thursday. This issue affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems, with some encountering a notorious error known as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had a wide-reaching impact, affecting various sectors including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, airlines and airports experienced some of the most severe disruptions. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and another 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being the hardest hit.
Delta reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. By Sunday and Monday, the airline had canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed an additional 3,441. By Tuesday, Delta had already seen 738 flights canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the frustration caused by travel disruptions, emphasizing Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian noted that the airline relies on a significant number of applications utilizing Microsoft Windows, including a tool for tracking crew movements that was affected by the system failures. To assist customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing passengers to change their flights at no cost and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.