The Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure that consumer rights are being upheld amid ongoing flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers in a statement on social media. He noted that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the situation.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has faced challenges in restoring operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions. The software defect affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in significant access issues for corporate users, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
Numerous industries were impacted, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports suffering the most. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and another 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being particularly hard hit.
Delta reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 flights canceled on Sunday and Monday, along with additional delays. As of Tuesday, 738 flights had also been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement on Sunday, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events.” He acknowledged the difficulties travelers face when their plans are disrupted. Bastian explained that Delta relies on several applications using Microsoft Windows, which contributed to the operational issues.
In response to the disruption, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without fees, and they are offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.