The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure it is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a recent spate of flight cancellations tied to a global technology outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and emphasized the department’s commitment to uphold that right. He noted that the department has received a significant number of complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring full operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses worldwide. This faulty update impacted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing corporate users to face access issues, with some even encountering the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The disruption affected virtually every major industry, including healthcare, logistics, retail, and finance, but airlines and airports were among the hardest hit. On one day alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and approximately 5,171 flights were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant impact.
The airline canceled around 3,500 flights across its network on Friday and Saturday. By Sunday and Monday, Delta had to cancel more than 2,500 flights and delay an additional 3,441. On Tuesday, the cancellation and delay count reached 738 flights, according to FlightAware.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated that canceling flights is always a last resort and that the company takes such actions seriously. He apologized to those affected, reiterating Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers and acknowledging the difficulties caused by the disruptions.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on a number of applications that operate on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for tracking crew members, which was unable to manage the updates due to the system failure. To assist affected customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, as well as offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.