The Department of Transportation is examining Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer issues, as it continues to experience flight cancellations following a significant global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has struggled to restore full operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted numerous businesses worldwide. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users in a difficult position, often facing system failures.
The incident had widespread implications, disrupting nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery, retail, and finance. Airlines were particularly hard hit; on one Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, with more than 5,171 cancellations recorded, as reported by FlightAware. Delta was especially affected, canceling around 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with delays for more than 3,400 flights. By Tuesday, 738 additional flights had been affected.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret regarding the cancellations in a statement, saying, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to everyone who has 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 a substantial number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including tools for tracking crew assignments, which were unable to function effectively due to the system outages. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no cost, in addition to offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.