The Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being respected amid ongoing cancellations that followed a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg reaffirmed on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s management of the situation following the disruptions caused by a failed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges in restoring full operations after the software issue, which impacted Microsoft’s Windows systems, preventing many corporate users from accessing essential functions and in some instances causing the “Blue Screen of Death” error.
The outage influenced virtually every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports suffering particularly severe consequences. On a single day, Friday, there were over 46,000 flight delays and around 5,171 cancellations, according to FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant impact.
Delta reported approximately 3,500 flight cancellations over the weekend, with an additional 2,500 cancellations and over 3,400 delays on Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday, the airline had already canceled or delayed 738 flights.
In a statement over the weekend, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the disruptions, emphasizing that cancellations are always a last resort. He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers and noted that Delta plays a crucial role in connecting people around the globe.
Bastian also indicated that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for various applications, including essential tools for crew tracking that were affected by the outage. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver to allow customers to change their flights without charge and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options for those impacted.