The Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer rights are being upheld amid the airline’s ongoing cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated 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 had already received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the situation.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in restoring normal operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which occurred late Thursday. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, disrupting access for many corporate users, resulting in a widespread occurrence of the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted nearly all major sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines experienced particularly severe repercussions; on Friday alone, over 46,000 flights faced delays, and 5,171 were canceled, with Delta experiencing the highest impact.
Delta announced the cancellation of around 3,500 flights over the weekend, with additional cancellations exceeding 2,500 on Sunday and Monday, along with over 3,400 delays. On Tuesday, 738 flights have already been canceled or delayed, according to FlightAware data.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events. 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 numerous applications using Microsoft Windows, including essential tools for crew tracking that were rendered inoperative due to the system failure. In response to the disruptions, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without fees and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.