The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure that the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns amid ongoing flight cancellations stemming from last week’s global tech 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 his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant operational challenges following a problematic software update initiated by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which occurred late Thursday and impacted various global businesses. A flaw in the update affected Microsoft Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems, with some encountering the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident disrupted multiple major industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but airlines and airports suffered particularly severe impacts. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and an additional 5,171 were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant disruptions.
The airline reported canceling around 3,500 flights across its network on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, Delta canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed another 3,441. By Tuesday, FlightAware indicated that 738 flights had already been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret about the situation, stating, “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 Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including a tool for tracking crew members that could not manage the changes caused by the system failure. To assist affected customers, Delta is offering a travel waiver that allows for free flight changes, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.