The Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure it is adequately addressing consumer needs amid flight cancellations following a recent global tech outage.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and emphasized his commitment to uphold this right. He noted that the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the outages.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming normal operations days after a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday caused complications worldwide. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users struggling with access issues and experiencing the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted nearly every major sector, with airlines and airports experiencing the brunt of the disruptions. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and 5,171 were canceled, with Delta suffering the most significant setbacks.
The airline canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with additional delays. As of Tuesday, FlightAware reported that 738 flights had been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian addressed the situation, explaining that canceling flights is a last resort that the airline does not take lightly. He apologized to all affected passengers, highlighting Delta’s mission of connecting the world and the difficulties posed by disrupted travel.
Bastian also mentioned that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for many applications, including a crucial crew tracking tool impacted by the system failures. In response to the situation, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to modify their flights without charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.