The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure that the airline is adequately addressing consumer needs following a series of flight cancellations linked to a global technology outage last week.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized in a social media statement, “All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.” Buttigieg mentioned that his department has received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the recent tech issues.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has struggled to return to normal operations after a problematic software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike disrupted numerous businesses worldwide. This update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, leading corporate users to face issues including the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread implications, impacting various industries such as healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. Airlines suffered particularly severe consequences; on Friday alone, there were over 46,000 flight delays and 5,171 cancellations, according to FlightAware. Delta was one of the airlines most significantly affected.
The airline reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday, with more than 2,500 additional cancellations on Sunday and Monday, alongside 3,441 delays. By Tuesday, FlightAware noted that 738 flights had either been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret in a statement on Sunday, noting, “Canceling a flight is always a last resort, and something we don’t take lightly. I want to apologize to every one of you who have been impacted by these events. Delta is in the business of connecting the world, and we understand how difficult it can be when your travels are disrupted.”
Bastian acknowledged that Delta relies heavily on Microsoft Windows applications, including tools for crew tracking that were unable to adapt to the system shutdown. In response, Delta has provided a travel waiver that allows customers to change their flights at no extra charge, along with meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation options.