The Department of Transportation is investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure proper consumer care as the airline continues to cancel flights following a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated on social media, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” Buttigieg noted that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday. This update negatively affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to widespread access issues for corporate users, some of whom experienced the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced particularly severe impacts, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was most affected, having canceled around 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, with more than 2,500 additional cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with 3,441 delays. On Tuesday, 738 flights were also canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement, saying, “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. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian explained that many of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including tools for crew tracking, which were unable to function due to the system failures. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost and is offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.