The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations attributed to a recent global technology outage.
Secretary of Transportation 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 the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta has faced significant operational challenges since a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike resulted in a worldwide IT disruption. This update created issues for Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to accessibility problems for corporate users, with some experiencing the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The outage affected nearly all major industries, but airlines experienced the most significant repercussions. On one day alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta among the most severely impacted.
In total, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights over the course of Friday and Saturday, and an additional 2,500 flights were canceled on Sunday and Monday, with nearly 3,441 flights delayed during that period. By Tuesday, Delta reported 738 additional cancellations or delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret to affected customers, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events.” He clarified that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications for critical operations, including a crew tracking system that struggled due to the unexpected system outage. To assist affected travelers, Delta is offering a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.