The U.S. Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the company is adequately addressing consumer concerns after a recent global tech outage that led to numerous flight cancellations.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers, stating that the department had received a significant number of complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Atlanta-based Delta has been facing challenges in resuming normal operations in the aftermath of a failed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which occurred late last week. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, disrupting access to systems for corporate users and resulting in widespread technical difficulties.
The incident impacted nearly every major industry, particularly affecting airlines and airports. On one day alone, over 46,000 flights experienced delays, with more than 5,100 cancellations reported, according to FlightAware. Delta was among the hardest hit, canceling around 3,500 flights over the course of Friday and Saturday, and over 2,500 additional cancellations on Sunday and Monday, with thousands more delays.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged the toll these disruptions have taken on travelers, issuing an apology to those affected and stressing that cancellations are a last resort for the airline. He noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows for numerous applications, including tools essential for tracking crew assignments, which contributed to the operational challenges.
To support affected travelers, Delta has rolled out a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without incurring fees, along with providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.