The Department of Transportation is currently looking into Delta Air Lines to ensure that it is treating consumers fairly following a series of flight cancellations connected to a major global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a statement posted on social media. He noted that the department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, has faced ongoing challenges in returning to normal operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred last Thursday. This update disrupted Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, impacting businesses globally and resulting in significant operational issues, including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech outage affected numerous sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but the airline industry suffered particularly. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and 5,171 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware data. Delta experienced the most substantial impact.
The airline reported canceling around 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. Additionally, it canceled more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday while delaying another 3,441 flights. By Tuesday, Delta had already canceled or delayed 738 flights.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly,” apologizing to passengers affected by the disruptions. He highlighted the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and acknowledged the difficulties posed by travel disruptions.
Bastian further explained that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including a crew tracking tool that was unable to function due to the system shutdown. To assist passengers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation for impacted travelers.