The Department of Transportation is conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the company is fulfilling its obligations to consumers amid ongoing flight cancellations that follow a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a social media statement on Tuesday, noting that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the recent technological disruptions.
Delta, which is headquartered in Atlanta, has faced challenges in returning to normal operations following a problematic software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. This update, implemented last Thursday, affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in significant system access issues for numerous corporate users.
The incident had a wide-reaching impact, affecting various sectors, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and financial institutions. However, the airline industry suffered particularly severe consequences, with over 46,000 flights delayed and another 5,171 flights canceled on Friday, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta experiencing the most significant disruptions.
On Friday and Saturday alone, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. During Sunday and Monday, more than 2,500 flights were also canceled, alongside 3,441 additional delays. As of Tuesday, another 738 flights faced cancellations or delays.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his regret for the disruptions in a statement on Sunday, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by travelers due to these events and mentioned Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian explained that a number of Delta’s applications rely on Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking system that was affected by the shutdown. To assist travelers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing customers to change flights without fees, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.