The Department of Transportation is examining Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations attributed to a global technology failure last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized on social media that “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 numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the tech-related disruptions.
Based in Atlanta, Delta is still struggling to return to normal operations after a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that occurred last Thursday. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in significant access issues for many corporate users and causing what is infamously known as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The tech failure had widespread repercussions, impacting various industries, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports were particularly hard hit, with over 46,000 flight delays and more than 5,171 cancellations reported on Friday alone, according to FlightAware. Delta experienced the most significant disruptions.
On Friday and Saturday, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. Over the next two days, the airline continued to cancel more than 2,500 flights and delay an additional 3,441. As of Tuesday, there have been 738 recorded cancellations or delays.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian expressed his apologies to those affected, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian added that Delta relies on a number of applications powered by Microsoft Windows, including tools essential for crew tracking, which struggled to adapt due to the system failure. To assist customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, alongside offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.