The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure that consumer rights are upheld as the airline grapples with ongoing flight cancellations following a 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 been struggling to restore normal operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted systems worldwide. This update particularly affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many users unable to access necessary systems and encountering significant issues.
The tech incident disrupted multiple sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines and airports experienced severe effects, with over 46,000 flights delayed and 5,171 canceled on a single Friday, according to FlightAware data. Delta Airlines was one of the most impacted carriers, canceling about 3,500 flights over the weekend.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret over the disruptions, stating that cancellations are a last resort and acknowledging the significant challenges faced by travelers. He explained that the airline relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including a crucial crew tracking tool that was affected by the system failure.
To assist affected customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free changes to flights, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.