The Department of Transportation is examining Delta Air Lines to ensure that it is meeting consumer needs in the wake of the numerous flight cancellations following a global tech failure last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for airline passengers in a statement posted on social media. He noted that his department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the recent tech outages.
Delta, based in Atlanta, is facing challenges as it works to resume normal operations after a problematic software update initiated by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected businesses worldwide. This update caused issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leaving many corporate users unable to access their systems and dealing with disruptions including the “Blue Screen of Death.”
The impact of the incident reached nearly every major industry, including healthcare providers, delivery services, retailers, and financial institutions, but airlines and airports experienced some of the worst effects. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed, and more than 5,171 were canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being significantly affected.
Delta reported the cancellation of approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the airline canceled over 2,500 flights and delayed an additional 3,441. On Tuesday, 738 flights were also reported as canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed his apologies to those affected, stating, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly.” He acknowledged the difficulties caused by travel disruptions and emphasized Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on a “significant number of applications” that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a crew tracking tool that was unable to function correctly due to the system shutdown. To assist affected customers, Delta has introduced a travel waiver allowing free changes to flights, along with offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.