The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being upheld following the airline’s ongoing flight cancellations, which stem from a global technology outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and he is committed to ensuring these rights are protected. He mentioned that his department had received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the tech issues.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in returning to normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted various businesses worldwide. This update caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading to significant disruptions for corporate users, including experiences with the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident affected nearly every major industry, particularly airlines and airports, which suffered extensively. On Friday alone, there were over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations reported by FlightAware, with Delta being the most affected airline.
Delta announced it canceled around 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, alongside 3,441 flight delays. By Tuesday, another 738 flights were reported as canceled or delayed.
In a statement, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions caused, stating that canceling flights is always a last resort. He apologized to all passengers impacted by these events, reiterating Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers and acknowledging the difficulties caused by such disruptions.
Bastian noted that a significant number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including systems that track crew changes, which were hindered by the recent shutdown. To assist customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver that allows for free flight changes, along with providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.