The Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure that consumer rights are being upheld amid a wave of flight cancellations following a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on social media that all airline passengers are entitled to fair treatment, and he is committed to making sure that this right is maintained. He noted that the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation surrounding the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has been struggling to restore normal operations after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread issues. The defect affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, resulting in significant disruptions for corporate users, including the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident impacted almost all major industries, with healthcare, delivery services, retail, and financial institutions among those affected. Airlines faced particular challenges, with over 46,000 flights delayed and more than 5,171 canceled on just one day, according to FlightAware, with Delta being one of the hardest hit.
On Friday and Saturday alone, Delta canceled approximately 3,500 flights. The cancellations continued over the weekend, with more than 2,500 flights canceled on Sunday and Monday, along with an additional 3,441 delays. As of Tuesday, another 738 flights have been impacted.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian emphasized that canceling flights is always a last resort and expressed apologies to those affected by the disruptions. He acknowledged the difficulties travel disruptions can cause and reassured customers that Delta is focused on connecting people around the world.
Bastian also mentioned that Delta relies on a significant number of Microsoft Windows applications, including tools for crew tracking, which were hindered by the system issues. In response, Delta has issued a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge and is offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation support.