The Department of Transportation is examining Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer protections are upheld, as the airline continues to cancel flights following a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released a statement on social media asserting that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment, and he is committed to enforcing that right. He noted that the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the tech difficulties.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in returning to normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike late last Thursday. This update adversely affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, disrupting access for many corporate users and causing serious technical issues.
The incident had a widespread impact on numerous sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, the airline industry felt the brunt of the effects: on Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and 5,171 were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta being the most significantly affected airline.
The airline canceled approximately 3,500 flights on Friday and Saturday. From Sunday to Monday, Delta canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed 3,441. On Tuesday, the cancellations and delays continued, with 738 flights affected.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that canceling flights is not taken lightly and is always a last resort. He apologized to all customers impacted by the disruption, reaffirming Delta’s commitment to connecting travelers globally.
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including vital tools for crew tracking that were rendered inoperable due to the system shutdown. In response to the disruptions, Delta has provided a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without penalty, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transport assistance.