The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer protection as the airline continues to face flight cancellations following a significant global tech outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a social media statement, noting that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has struggled to restore operations in the aftermath of a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which was implemented late Thursday and affected numerous businesses globally. This update caused issues with Microsoft Windows operating systems, leading to significant disruptions for corporate users, including problems such as the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact of the incident spread across multiple industries, with healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions all affected. The airline sector, particularly Delta, was notably impacted, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on Friday alone, according to FlightAware.
Delta reported approximately 3,500 flight cancellations on Friday and Saturday, followed by over 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with an additional 3,441 delays. On Tuesday, the airline faced 738 more cancellations or delays.
In response, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions caused and stated that canceling flights is not taken lightly. He highlighted Delta’s commitment to connecting the world and acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers during this situation.
Bastian further noted that Delta relies on a variety of applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including one crucial for tracking crew schedules that struggled due to the system outages. To assist affected customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free flight changes, alongside offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.