The Department of Transportation is currently examining Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer needs following a series of flight cancellations stemming from a global tech outage last week.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers, stating that he would ensure these rights are upheld. He noted that his department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s response to the tech disruptions.
Delta, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced challenges in resuming operations after a flawed software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike last Thursday caused significant issues worldwide. The update malfunctioned, affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, which left many corporate users unable to access their systems and dealing with the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had a widespread impact across various industries, notably healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance. However, airlines and airports experienced the most significant setbacks. According to FlightAware, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,171 were canceled on Friday alone, with Delta being among the hardest hit.
Delta reported canceling approximately 3,500 flights over Friday and Saturday. The airline further canceled over 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday and recorded an additional 3,441 delays. On Tuesday, at least 738 flights were either canceled or delayed.
In a statement, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret to those affected, stating that canceling a flight is always a last resort. He acknowledged the challenges that come with travel disruptions, underscoring Delta’s commitment to connecting the world.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications that utilize Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking, which encountered issues due to the system outage. In response, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights at no extra charge, in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.