The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure consumer protection as the airline continues to face cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
In one of the year’s largest acquisitions, Mars, the producer of M&M’s, is set to buy Kellanova, the maker of Pop-Tarts.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized in a social media statement on Tuesday that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and he is committed to enforcing that right. His department has reportedly received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s handling of the recent tech disruptions.
Atlanta-based Delta Airlines has struggled to restore normal operations after a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused significant issues worldwide. This defect affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving businesses unable to access their systems and coping with severe errors for many users.
The wide-reaching disruption impacted nearly every sector, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, but the airline industry faced some of the most significant challenges. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and 5,171 were canceled, as per FlightAware, with Delta being particularly hard hit.
Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights on both Friday and Saturday. The airline reported more than 2,500 cancellations on Sunday and Monday, along with an additional 3,441 delays. By Tuesday, the disruptions continued, with 738 flights either canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He apologized to all passengers affected by these disruptions, acknowledging the difficulties caused when travel plans are altered.
Bastian noted that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including a tool for crew tracking that was unable to adapt to the shutdown’s effects. To assist customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing passengers to change flights at no cost and is providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation services.