The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being upheld as the airline continues to cancel flights following a recent global tech outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers, stating on social media, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He noted that his department received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the recent tech issues.
Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges in resuming normal operations after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted businesses worldwide last Thursday. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and causing issues like the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech incident impacted a wide range of industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced considerable disruptions, with over 46,000 flight delays and around 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta was particularly affected, canceling around 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, in addition to delaying another 3,441 flights. On Tuesday, reports indicated that 738 flights had been either canceled or delayed.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to all those impacted, acknowledging the difficulties caused by travel disruptions. Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications using Microsoft Windows, including systems for crew tracking, which could not adapt to the recent shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, along with providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.