The Department of Transportation is looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are protected as the airline continues to deal with flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and that he will make sure those rights are upheld. He noted that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges in restoring operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions. This update impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and, in some cases, experiencing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
Nearly every major sector was affected by this incident, including healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions. Airlines bore the brunt of the disruption, with more than 46,000 flights delayed and around 5,171 canceled on Friday, according to FlightAware. Delta experienced the most severe impact, canceling roughly 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations and 3,441 delays on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday alone, 738 flights were either canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the cancellations, stating that canceling flights is always seen as a last resort. He extended his apologies to those affected by the situation, acknowledging the challenges travelers face when their plans are disrupted. Bastian pointed out that Delta relies on a variety of applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a crucial tool for crew tracking, which was hindered by the system shutdown. To assist customers, Delta is offering a travel waiver that allows for free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.