The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the company is providing adequate care to customers amid ongoing flight cancellations linked to a global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated, “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 “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation following the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has struggled to completely restore operations after a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted various businesses around the world. A flaw in the update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing significant disruptions for corporate users, including issues with the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread repercussions across several industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports faced particularly severe disruptions, with over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta experienced the most significant impact.
The airline canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday, followed by more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with an additional 3,441 delays. As of Tuesday, 738 flights have already faced cancellations or delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian affirmed, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He expressed regret to those affected, stating, “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 on many applications using Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking tool that was unable to function due to the system shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.